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Opinion: We cannot judge previous generations by our current standards
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The Confederate Memorial monument, commonly referred to as, "Old Joe," pictured in 2017 in downtown Gainesville. - photo by David Barnes
As a Georgian, I have ancestors who have fought in every war since the French and Indian War of 1763, which makes me feel very connected to the history of the United States. Many of the Confederates who have statues were more than just Confederates. They served as leaders in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, they were senators, congressmen, governors and diplomats.