All images copyright © by Artist Ron Cockerham. All rights reserved

"The Last Stand"
By Ron Cockerham

The "Last Stand" was released in 1996. The Civil War has been over for more than 100 years, but a controversial war still rages over whether the Confederate Flag should still fly. The State Capital building in Columbia, South Carolina is the last state capital building in the United States to till fly the Confederate Flag. North Carolina artist, Ron Cockerham, has masterfully produced one of the most unique pieces of artwork ever offered. "The Last Stand" depicts Generals Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson, in glory, overlooking the State Capital building where their beloved flag still flies.

"The last Stand" is the result of an inspiration captured on canvas to depict and preserve the heritage of the South with its struggle for Southern Independence. As one views that glorious flag, unfurled and fluttering high atop the Capital of South Carolina on a warm, spring day, one's sense of the flag's true meaning is aroused. Descending from amidst the clouds of heaven, two of the South's most legendary heroes of the Civil War have hidden with calm grandeur into view. General Robert E. Lee, saddled upon Traveller, appears dignified and determined. With him, mounted upon Little Sorrel, is the most trusted Lieutenant, T.J Jackson, better known as "Stonewall". Both gaze approvingly toward the Confederate flag's placement and proudly edify it with their allegiance.Seeing this makes one inquire, "Have they ridden out one last time to regard this flag as one that flew out of a holy and righteous cause? Are these two great men of valor taking "The Last Stand?"

Without a doubt, it encourages one to consider the cause. What was the cause? It is beat summed up by Robert E. Lee's own words, "All that the South has ever desired was that the Union, as established by our Forefathers, should be preserved."

Presently, the Confederate flag is flying majestically above South Carolina's Capital, the last municipal building in the U.S. to fly it. By many, it is misunderstood. It does not wave in defiance nor is its purpose to be sinister or offensive. It is merely unfurled as a memorial to the Confederacy and it epitomizes the men in gray who fell to a lost cause.

Today the flag no longer flies over the Capital building but still flies in the hearts of men of the South who still believe in the cause which it symbolizes.