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Friends of the American Heritage Association of South Carolina (AHA) gathered in Washington Square in Charleston to call on South Carolina's gubernatorial candidates to clearly state where they stand on the Heritage Act. The Heritage Act was signed into law in the Palmetto State in 2000 and requires a super-majority vote in both chambers of the legislature before a historic monument may be removed. The AHA also called for the candidates to support reinforcing the rule of law by requiring illegally removed monuments to be put back in place within 90 days.

The AHA is a newly formed non-profit dedicated to the promotion and preservation of historical monuments in the Palmetto State. Additionally, the organization seeks to better educate the public on American history by hosting living history events. The 2014 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report found that only 18 percent of 8th graders were proficient or above in U.S. History and only 23 percent in Civics. Early next year, the AHA will announce two new living history events that will be held in Charleston. AHA President Brett Barry stated, "While not everyone is interested in reading a history book, these types of events are both informative and can be of interest to the entire family." The group's members include attorneys, professors, historians, military veterans and concerned citizens.

In August, at the University of North Carolina, yet another group of unruly protestors tore down a historic veterans memorial. Just weeks ago, a monument to Christopher Columbus was vandalized in Philadelphia. "We must insist on the rule of law in South Carolina. Mob rule should not decide whether a historical monument stays or whether it is taken down. A lack of civility has swept the nation and its genesis appears to be college campuses where instead of teaching civil discourse, in many cases, they are fostering uncivil disobedience", Barry said.

The AHA considers history to be one of Charleston's greatest assets and believes the monuments are a reminder of the sacrifice and courage of the American people, the wisdom and debate of its leading thinkers and the evolution of our society. AHA looks forward to the gubernatorial candidates' responses and encourages those interested in their efforts to subscribe to the organizations's news letter at www.americanheritageassociation.org.

The American Heritage Association is a 501 (c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of American history and the protection of historical monuments. The Association is based out of Charleston and operates throughout the State.