It's Official: The Confederate Flag Is Taken Down

(CNN)-- "This is why Rosa sat and Martin marched, so that we can have events like this." 

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These were the words spoken from South Carolina's former state Rep. Bakari Sellers. The Confederate flag was officially taken down and removed from South Carolina Capitol grounds. Sellers was one of the onlookers at today's historic event marking the end of a 54-year-old era.

The Civil-war era flag has been a hot topic in recent news after the man charged with killing nine people at a South Carolina church was seen brandishing the flag in photos found on his Facebook page. A lot of people in turn quickly denounced the flag, not only because of its association with a racist killer, but also because they felt it symbolizes years of oppression and is a constant reminder of the slavery and injustices that have plagued African Americans since its inception.

On the other hand, many Americans feel that the flag is part of our nation's history and it is simply a symbol of southern pride.

Setting the Standard. Early Thursday morning, the South Carolina House of Representatives voted 94 to 20 to take down the flag, giving final approval to a bill that passed the state Senate earlier in the week.

The vote count was more than the two-thirds needed, but it came after a handful of lawmakers mounted a tenacious last stand, proposing amendment after amendment that made the debate drag on for more than 12 hours.

State by State debate of Confederate Flag

President Barack Obama showed his support of the removal Tweeting:  

"South Carolina taking down the confederate flag - a signal of good will and healing, and a meaningful step towards a better future,"

Which ever side you're on, there's no denying that today was a memorable day in our nation's history, one we'll definitely be telling our grandchildren about!