Confederate flag no longer flies over South Carolina's capitol

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina pulled the Confederate flag from its place of honor at the Statehouse on Friday, marking a milestone in how America commemorates the war that tore the United States apart 150 years ago.

Many people believed the rebel banner would fly forever in the first state to leave the Union, despite bitter feelings that remained after the flag was demoted from atop the Capitol dome to a Confederate monument out front 15 years ago.

But the killings of nine black church members during a Bible study in Charleston last month suddenly changed the political truths and consequences surrounding Civil War symbols.

The battle flag unfurled to assert white power and protest the civil rights protest in the 1960s had been defended by white Republican leaders until last month as a symbol of Southern pride. After the church attack, even supporters felt compelled to acknowledge that the flag also represents racial hatred.

"No lie can live forever. That flag is a lie," South Carolina NAACP President Lonnie Randolph said.

The flag came down Friday without incident, in a 6-minute ceremony, amid a crowd of up to 10,000 people chanting "USA, USA," and "hey, hey, hey, goodbye."