During a recent city council meeting in Liberty, Missouri, heated discussions emerged surrounding the future of a Confederate memorial located in Fairview Cemetery. The monument, which honors Union soldiers, has sparked controversy among residents, particularly those with family members buried in the cemetery.

Dwayne Holtzclaw, a local resident, expressed his deep personal connection to the site, noting that five of his family members are interred there. He emphasized his offense at remarks made about the monument, asserting that it represents a Union soldier, not a Confederate one. Holtzclaw urged the council to shift focus from the contentious debate over the memorial to more pressing community projects, while firmly stating his unwillingness to relinquish his family's graves.

Another resident, who identified himself as a descendant of Captain Theodore Duncan—the first soldier from Clay County to die in the Civil War—also voiced concerns about the ongoing legal disputes related to the memorial. He criticized the council's handling of the situation, claiming that the city has already incurred significant expenses and warned that costs could escalate further.

The meeting also featured calls for the removal of the memorial, with speakers highlighting the need to address the historical context of the monument and its implications for the community. One resident pointed out that many streets in Liberty are named after individuals with troubling histories, suggesting that the council should consider renaming these streets as part of a broader effort to confront the town's past.

Catherine Rain, another speaker, shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the importance of addressing uncomfortable historical truths. She argued for the removal of the Confederate memorial, linking it to a larger conversation about race and social justice.

As the council grapples with these complex issues, the community remains divided, with strong sentiments on both sides regarding the memorial's significance and the legacy it represents. The discussions reflect a broader national dialogue about how communities confront their historical narratives and the symbols that represent them.