I consider the Confederate soldier to be a part of our American military traditions, but not, obviously, a member of the "American Armed Forces."

They were part of the "American Armed Forces" alright, but it was the Confederate States of America Armed Forces. You yourself dishonor those Confederate Soldiers who fought and died for their Country when you say they were not a part of the American Armed Forces but merely a "part of our American military traditions" , they were Americans, but most importantly, they were Confederate Americans.

Carolyn