UPDATED 2:30 PM CDT Apr 03, 2016

RAYMOND, Miss. —Sunday marks the third day of Confederate Heritage Month and controversy surrounding it didn't stop the sons of Confederate veterans from gathering to pay their respects.

The sons of Confederate veterans gathered in Raymond remembering the soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War.

"Not talking about the Confederate war, talking about the Confederate veteran himself. He fought to defend his homeland," said Chuck Bond with Sons of Confederate Veterans.

In February, Gov. Phil Bryant declared the month of April Confederate Heritage Month. April is the same month the Civil War started in 1861.

"We were being invaded. There's no question, an army was raised and invaded the South with a big plan. Now the men who fought around here, and fought and died right here, were trying to protect Vicksburg and the citizens of Jackson," Bond said.

Several groups have held rallies protesting the heritage month.

One protester said the Confederate symbol was one of hatred, oppression and violence against an entire race.

Bryant said the month is nothing new, and it's important for Mississippians to know and understand their history.

Despite all the controversy surrounding Confederate month, the Sons of Confederate Veterans said the soldiers who fought and died for their home state deserve to be remembered

"These men earned this. These were soldiers," Bond said.

The group said every weekend of this month they will do something to honor the fallen soldiers

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