Council's proclamation raises issue of confederate flag for council member

Michael Williams - WRJW News

During last nights meeting of the Picayune City Council, City Manager Harvey Miller brought forth a request to authorize a proclamation to proclaim July 8th as "Gainesville Volunteer Day" in the City of Picayune.

The Gainesville Volunteer group was established as a non-political, patriotic group that was organized in 1995 to preserve the good name of the Confederate Soldier. Camp 373 of this group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Senior Center of Pearl River County in Picayune.

Councilman Larry Breland took offense to the fact that the logo used by The Gainesville Volunteers contains the confederate flag.

“This flag has for years been a problem between the races as far as segregation and prejudice has occurred,” Breland stated.

Breland brought up the fact that the State of Mississippi changed its flag because of the problems that existed racially. He added that "it is a step backwards for race relations in the City of Picayune and this is a big mistake”.

The motion went to a vote with council members Frank Ford, Jan Stevens, Anna Turnage, and Mayor Jim Luke all voting yes. Council members Larry Breland and Lynn Bumpers voting no. The 4 to 2 vote passed in favor of the proclamation.