Dear editor,

I have long been a proponent for changing the Mississippi state flag. It was divisive, and I could find no legitimate reason for not changing. The negative impacts on the state and our people far outweighed any perceived advantage for not changing. 

With that said, my hat is off to Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Sen. Briggs Hopson for their leadership in making the change happen.

The lieutenant governor was fully responsible for getting the votes to change.  That is leadership. Sen. Hopson was a key sponsor of the bill, and his leadership was evident throughout the process. Did you see his speech on the Senate floor? It made me so proud.

Thanks also to Rep. Oscar Denton for his support and vote, but especially to Rep. Kevin Ford. He and I had several conversations about the bill, and I know it was a difficult decision for him. But in the end, he gave his full support.

I cannot give the same kudos to Gov. Tate Reeves. He will sign the bill, but he had absolutely nothing to do with its passage. At best, he was a hindrance. He could have stepped to the plate and done what was right for Mississippi, but he did not.

I, for one, will not soon forget his critical lack of leadership.

Harry McMillin, Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

Vicksburg

Editor’s note: Gov. Tate Reeves announced he will sign the legislation removing the current state flag Tuesday at 5 p.m.