I am vehemently opposed, and frankly appalled, by a recent proposal to induct three Confederate soldiers who fought against the United States into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

We should not honor the Confederacy in 2015. Florida's leaders must stand on the side of freedom, not with those who fought to continue the enslavement of Americans.

The three Confederate veterans are ineligible for induction because of their service in rebellion against the United States. They fought to tear apart our country, in support of savage slavery, in a misguided, hateful attempt to uphold that abomination.

The dark stain of slavery is undeniably a part of American and Florida history that should be remembered and studied. But to have these men honored in a memorial at the state Capitol for their service on the wrong side of history would be an injustice to the descendants of enslaved Americans and an insult to all Americans who have bravely served our country with honor.

Including Confederates in the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame would be like a modern declaration of civil war by the State of Florida. It would be akin to flying the Confederate Flag over the state Capitol again.

History has spoken and Confederate rebels do not belong in a Hall of Fame honoring American soldiers. The deadline is March 17, so please sign now!