New ‘Arkansas Day’

A bill to replace the state’s Confederate Flag Day with “Arkansas Day” passed in the state House on Thursday.

House Majority Leader Austin McCollum, R-Bentonville, said the change is an opportunity to “correct the record,” since Confederate Flag Day was established in response to integration and not immediately after the Civil War.

McCollum said his bill doesn’t affect anyone’s ability to display or celebrate the Confederate Flag or participate in reenactments on that day if they choose.

House Bill 1916 states that “Arkansas Day shall be a day to reflect on the rich history, national treasures, diverse cultures, unmatched hospitality, shared spirit, and human resilience that make the people of this state proud to be Arkansans.”

The holiday is the Saturday before Easter.

The measure passed 80-7 and now heads to the Senate.