MEMPHIS, TN (WREG) — The remains of General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife are set to be removed from Health Sciences Park in the next couple of weeks.
A controversial figure, Forrest’s statute was removed from Health Sciences Park in 2017, but his remains and those of his wife’s were not. Now years later, the family has agreed to move the remains to Columbia, Tennessee, the home of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Edward Phillips is the attorney representing the family. He said they were shocked when the statue was taken down, but has agreed to move the remains so they can put this all behind them.
“They weren’t prepared for that eventuality at that point in time, right then and there,” he said. “They were upset when on live TV everything was being taken apart.”
“They figured okay, we’ve got to come up with a plan. We have to deal with this in a practical and logical, healing way,” he added.
The transfer is expected to happen as early as mid-February or early March. However, those involved say there are several factors involved with the transition including weather, safety and security.
Español:
MEMPHIS, TN (LPL/WREG) — Los restos del general Nathan Bedford Forrest y su esposa serán retirados del Health Sciences Park en las próximas semanas.
Una figura controvertida, la estatua de Forrest fue retirada del Health Sciences Park en 2017, pero sus restos y los de su esposa aun permanecen ahí. Ahora, años después, la familia acordó trasladar los restos a Columbia, Tennessee, el hogar de los Hijos de los Veteranos Confederados.
Edward Phillips es el abogado que representa a la familia dijo que se sorprendieron cuando movieron la estatua, pero aceptó mover los restos para que puedan dejar el asunto atrás.
“No estaban preparados para esa eventualidad en ese momento”, dijo. “Estaban molestos cuando en la televisión en vivo todo se llevaba a cabo enfrente de ellos”.
“Pensaron que estaba bien, tenemos que idear un plan. Tenemos que lidiar con esto de una manera práctica, lógica y curativa “, agregó.
Se espera que la transferencia de los restos ocurra a mediados de febrero o principios de marzo. Sin embargo, los involucrados dicen que hay varios factores involucrados con la transición, incluido el clima, la seguridad y la protección.
