Recommendation suggested for a new Mississippi flag

“Come now, let us reason together…”

We believe that music offers us a universal language. Since Mississippi claims national and international fame for the birth of various genres of music, let us design a new state flag, which displays symbols for music. If one cannot sing or play an instrument, perhaps on can clap hands, pat feet, keep a beat.

Historical records reflect: The North won the Civil War. The South lost the war. When a war is won, the winner’s flag goes up. The loser’s flag comes down, including the Confederate emblem. The current flag needs to be reserved and archived in a museum for posterity.

Some claim an allegiance to the old way because their family members fought in the Civil War. My family member who fought in the Civil War reflects two school of thought.

On the one hand, my great uncle Ned Harris of Carroll County fought in the Civil War on the side of the Union. Uncle Ned was 110 years old when a census was conducted. He died several years later.

On the other hand, my great grandfather, John R. McGaw, also of Carroll County was a commanding officer who fought on the side of the South.

Both Civil War warriors are resting in eternity. The question remains: Do we need to repeat a struggle, which should have ended with the South’s defeat?

Reasoning together: Let Mississippi proudly proclaim its musical legacy on a flag. We did it with a guitar on a tag. Now, let us use musical symbols on our state flag. Music, our universal language, will embrace all races and cultures.

Doretha Draine is a Jackson resident.