There have been attempts in the past to stop flying the flag, especially in the parade. In 2016, the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee changed to the “Stars and Bars” flag after it “acknowledged our ignorance” to fly the correct flag for Arizona’s Confederate occupation. That flag features a large horizontal red stripe on the top, a large white stripe in the middle, and another large stripe at the bottom, as well as a blue square in the upper left hand corner with 13 stars in a circle. It flew over Tucson during a nearly 300-day Confederate occupation in 1862.

Representatives from the Sons of Confederate Veterans said last week the group has been riding in the parade for more than two decades and acknowledged the group gets complaints about the flag annually. The group said last week that flag they said the flag represented “regimental colors,” which were used during battles to notify other Confederate fighters on the smoke-filled battlefield.

Bob Johnson, Arizona division commander for the group, told the Star that they support of the decision of the committee and that "we appreciate the opportunity to participate" in the annual parade. He added that he was pleased with the compromise and middle ground, saying "it works better than being divisive."