Hundreds gather for Lee-Jackson Day Parade

LEXINGTON, Va. –

The lives of Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson were commemorated Saturday at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery where Jackson is buried.

While security remained high, Ashley Teuke, who traveled from King William County to attend the parade, wasn't sure what to expect given the controversy surrounding this day.

“I was thinking, is there going to be any protesters? But every time we come, it's full of camaraderie and acceptance,” Teuke said.

Rodney Quick, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, wants to clarify the purpose of the tradition.

“This is basically about heritage. We're not pushing for any kind of agenda of any sort. We are basically honoring our ancestors and these two great men,” Quick said. 

While Lee and Jackson were not born in Lexington, both spent the final years of their lives as residents there.