HILLSBOROUGH -- The rebel flag has risen again.
A giant Confederate flag popped up along Highway 70 just outside of Hillsborough over the weekend. Although the flag is in Orange County, the group "Alamance County Taking Back Alamance County" (ACTBAC) erected it.
"Tyranny and over-oppressive government elect want to limit a property owners' rights to show pride and honor for his history and legacy," said the group in a Facebook post. "For now, be proud, and know that the colors are flying deep in the heart of Dixie where they are loved and cherished."
However, some Hillsborough residents said they did not feel comfortable with a Confederate flag flying next to town.
"I thought that it was, again, people trying to show a sign of solidarity of pride in Southern history, but doing it in an antagonistic way," said Hillsborough resident Dennis Hermanson.
The flag was unfurled a day before the Orange County Planning Board took public comment on a proposal to regulate the size of flags in the county. ACTBAC founder Gary Williamson told the crowd on Monday that he is staunchly opposed to the regulations.
"This is not going to stop here," Williamson said. "Prove me wrong. It may hurt your feelings, but what rights have been taken away from you? I don't know of any."
However, Heather Redding of Hillsborough Progressives Taking Action says although the group may be within their legal right to fly the flag for now, it is morally questionable for them to do so.
"While I find the Confederate symbol to be offensive and hateful, I don't have the same response as my dear friend," said Redding. "She's a black woman who, when she sees the Confederate flag, tells me her body and soul shudder in pain."
The Orange County School Board also banned the Confederate flag on school grounds last year. The planning board will vote on the new flag regulations on May 15.