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The Texas Tribune
The Texas Tribune
National
James Barragán

Texas lawmakers want to end state holiday commemorating Confederate veterans

A monument to the 8th Texas Cavalry, also known as Terry's Texas Rangers, is located on the south side of the state Capitol grounds.
A monument to the 8th Texas Cavalry, a Confederate regiment also known as Terry's Texas Rangers, is located on the south side of the state Capitol grounds. (Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune)

Calling the celebration of Confederate Heroes Day a "constant reminder" of a horrible past, state Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston, on Wednesday called for Texas to end its commemoration as a state holiday.

Confederate Heroes Day is celebrated on Jan. 19. The holiday commemorates the lives of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Gen. Robert E. Lee as well as soldiers who died fighting the Union during the Civil War. Texas used to separately celebrate the birthdays of Davis and Lee, but consolidated them in 1973 into Confederate Heroes Day.

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