CNN news 2015-07-14 加文本

cnn news 2015-07-14

Surrounded by the very lawmakers who helped make this moment possible, South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, took a moment to remember the nine lives lost just 22 days ago.

It seems like so long ago, because the grieving has been so hard. But at the same time, we have all been struck by what was a tragedy that we didn't think we would ever encounter, nine amazing people that forever changed South Carolina's history.

The families of those nine victims present to see firsthand the governor sign into law a bill that will remove the Confederate battle flag from the state capitol grounds, a place it's flown since the 1960s.

The pending question is that documents...

The change comes after days of debate that culminated with the passage of the bill in a 93 to 27 vote. The end of a marathon session in the state House that was marked by dozens of amendment introduced by pro-flag representatives who believed the flag is a symbol of southern heritage, not hate.

This amendment recognizes his actions, his reasons. So I'm going to ask you today to support this amendment.

The debate lasting some 13 hours. The frustration, palpable.

Just know that the gig is up. I think right now we see what the real deal is?

The turning point in the debate coming when Republican representative, Jenny Horne, a descendent of the president of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis, took to the floor.

I cannot believe that we do not have the heart in this body to do something meaningful, such as take a symbol of hate off these grounds on Friday. And if any of you vote to amend, you are ensuring that this flag will fly beyond Friday.

What Representative Horne did was magnificent. Took a lot of courage, and helped us win the day.

State House Representative Hunter has been in the House since 1992, well before the flag was moved from the dome to its current spot. Seeing the speaker sign the bill early this morning was a moment, she says, was worth fighting for.

I thought it would be removed some day, but not when I'm still here.