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Group Raises Confederate Flag Near Paducah

Posted: 7:20 AM May 21, 2012

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) -- A Confederate history organization has raised a Confederate battle flag in western Kentucky near Interstate 24.

The Paducah Sun (http://bit.ly/JgfXIF) reports about 300 people attended the hour-long ceremony Saturday on private land in Reidland at exit 16.

The flag measures 12 feet by 18 feet and will be a permanent fixture on the 60-foot pole.

Randy Beeler, commander of the Lloyd Tilghman camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, says it is the only Confederate flag sponsored by the group in the state. He says there are plans to add soldier memorials, benches and other items to the site over the next year.

The ceremony attracted two protesters, who stood across the street waving American flags. Gladman Humbles said the flag represents racism to him and his family.