Gathering at Rankin Square

8:35 pm on 08-18-2017
Rankin Square

A few people have been gathered in Rankin Square and on the sidewalk next to Rankin Square, where the local memorial to local soldiers who fought in the Civil War stands, with Confederate Battle Flags, and an American flag. I (Bobby) spoke with several and they said they were there to show support for their ancestors and to keep the local war monument intact. There were several children with their families, and they were playing in Rankin Square.





Three cars from the Macon County Sheriff Office was parked nearby on Stewart Street with about four deputies standing next to the cars. When I came by, they were speaking with one of the flag wavers who came across the street to speak with them.

Mayor Bob Scott was there, too. He was on the sidewalk conversing with an elderly couple and left around 8:20 pm or so.

The gathering looked peaceful for the twenty minutes or so I was there.


8:46 pm
END UPDATE

**UPDATE** Smoky Mountain News was at Rankin Square earlier in the evening and did a Facebook Live Video.
Showing the flag wavers and some interactions they had with people passing by. There is also an interview with Franklin Mayor Bob Scott.

Here it is: