Confederate flag rally hits the streets of Myrtle Beach

The reflection of a Confederate flag in a window
The reflection of a Confederate flag in a window
Published: Aug. 1, 2015 at 11:34 PM EDT|Updated: Aug. 2, 2015 at 10:04 AM EDT
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MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - A confederate flag cavalcade took over the streets of Myrtle Beach Saturday in protest of the recent push to take flags down.
While they weren't making too much noise Saturday, the actions of the group were louder than ever.

"Some people are going to hate us, they're going to yell, they're going to spit, they're going to call me a racist, but I'm not a racist, said co-organizer Jeremy Fleming.

Fleming says what people can call him is a southerner; and a proud one at that.
That's why he helped organize a protest parade through Myrtle Beach where others can fly their confederate flags too.

"It's freedom, Fleming said. It's the blood that runs through my veins, and if, we aren't free, we already lost."

The rally started in a parking lot near the Coastal Grand Mall. There everyone found their own way of flying the flag.
Then, the engines revved up, and the confederate flag motorcade drove all around the city.

It's not about hatred, it's not about racism, explained Michael Bumgardner, another organizer for the event. Its about our rights, what we believe in, and our southern heritage."

Those behind the parade wanted to make a statement to Myrtle Beach after it supported the taking down of the flag.
They believe today's rally won't go unnoticed.

"It's not their personal property, it's not on a public place, said Ashlyn Lewis, an onlooker in town from Fayetteville, North Carolina. If they want to do it like that, so be it."

By the end, the motorcade drove up Kings Highway to the north end of the city, before coming back down Ocean Boulevard.
The event organizer says Myrtle Beach police kept things safe and nothing got out of control.

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