On Saturday, January 18, a crowd gathered in Oak Grove Cemetery for annual Lee-Jackson Day events. After giving speeches honoring the holiday’s namesakes, organizers led a wreath-laying ceremony and a parade down Lexington’s Main Street.

Lee-Jackson Day, abolished as an official state holiday in 2020, drew a crowd and law enforcement presence to Lexington’s ordinarily quiet streets.

Before the events, W&L’s Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate sent a message alerting students and faculty. “Beginning on Friday, January 17, Lexington will be the site of several events commemorating the Confederacy … Many of the participants will wear Confederate Civil War regalia and will carry various flags and symbols,” the message said.

“The University does not have any connection with these events, but the symbols of the events may be displayed on public property along North Jefferson Street in front of the Memorial Gate near University Chapel, as well as elsewhere in the city, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”