Veteran Removed From Tampa Ceremony, Files Lawsuit Over Confederate Uniform

H.K. Edgerton arrived at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa on December 6 to attend Hillsborough County's annual Veterans Day ceremony, a public event advertised as honoring all American veterans. According to the complaint filed this month, Edgerton, a U.S. Army veteran who has long advocated for southern heritage, wore a gray Confederate reenactor uniform and carried a Confederate battle flag as part of his customary advocacy. He placed a wreath at the Missing Man Table and spoke with attendees before taking a seat behind reserved seating.

A retired Army lieutenant colonel who was scheduled to address the ceremony complimented his appearance, telling him, "You look sharp today." Minutes later a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy approached and told Edgerton that he needed to leave. The lawsuit states he was not accused of causing a disturbance and was not given a detailed explanation beyond being told that his attire and flag were inappropriate for the ceremony. Video recorded by attendees shows him walking out calmly while several onlookers questioned the decision. One witness later wrote online, "He was removed only because of what he was wearing and the flag he carried. He never interrupted anything."

Edgerton said the history behind his appearance shaped his intent to attend. "I went to honor all veterans," he said. "I served this country in uniform. My ancestors served in Confederate uniform. The United States itself later recognized them as veterans in specific ways. I attended a ceremony that was advertised as honoring everyone who served."

His attorney, Anthony Sabatini of Lake County, argues that the uniform and flag are symbolic expression protected by the Constitution and that a public ceremony on county property cannot be used to suppress peaceful expression based on viewpoint. Hillsborough County has declined to comment citing ongoing litigation, and no county policy governing attire at public veterans events has been identified in the filings. A court hearing has not been scheduled and the case is expected to take months to develop.

For Hernando County residents the dispute raises immediate questions about how local governments will handle controversial symbols at public commemorations. County officials who organize memorial events may face increased pressure to clarify rules governing participants and to balance inclusive recognition of service with the sensitivities of veterans and community members. Supporters hope the lawsuit will produce clearer guidelines, while critics say the episode highlights continuing tensions over Confederate imagery at government ceremonies and how communities remember contested pasts.