May 11, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: See something. Say something.
It’s time.
Finally, feeling the need to say ‘something’.
Voicing this from my genuine, authentic, passionate, self.
Background: Proudly born in Washington, D.C., and proudly raised in Lexington, Virginia, to be exact! I graduated from LHS in 1978 and MBC in 1982.
Back in the day California girls, would say, “I’m a Valley girl.”
And I’m a Valley girl, as well … a “Shenandoah Valley Girl.”
My great-grandfather served with Robert E. Lee and was with him at the surrender at Appomattox.
Both are mentioned because I have a Robert E. Lee license plate that reads – SHD VLY On May 8, I received a letter from DMV.
Expectedly, writing that the “new establishment” in Richmond has abolished the Sons of Confederate Veterans and Robert E. Lee license plates; they will be going away.
This saddens me to no end! It breaks my heart. We have a Democrat governor from New Jersey who doesn’t care about the history of the commonwealth of Virginia, Lexington or Rockbridge County! No wonder VMI is under this establishment’s scrutiny as well. What next, Washington & Lee? Oh wait.
The amount of wasted time and money that is going into all this must be staggering.
One last thing, growing up in Lexington, sadly, I have seen firsthand how it has changed.
Lexington used to be a friendly town that welcomed others and was proud of its history and tourism. I am very much aware of all the anger and hate of anyone who voices an opinion in this town/city that differs from them. You can see it, from the scowls on their faces and angry signs in their yards. It is apparent that we cannot get along.
What a sad state of affairs. What a shame, nothing is sacred anymore.
KAREN ANNE NEFF Lexington
