Confederate flag supporters rally at Georgia Capitol

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- About 1,500 members and supporters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, many dressed in Civil War-era costumes, marched a half-mile to the state Capitol Saturday to voice their support for the flying of the Georgia flag.

During the hourlong rally that followed, organizers presented nearly 52,000 signatures in support of the flag, which features the Confederate battle emblem. They had planned to turn in about 100,000 signatures but fell well short of that goal.

Republican state Rep. Alan Powell received the petitions and promised to voice the crowd's concerns to the Georgia Legislature.

The NAACP and other civil rights groups have threatened a boycott of Georgia if the Confederate symbol is not removed from the flag, saying it is a symbol of slavery. Several of the speakers at Saturday's event threatened a boycott of their own if the flag is changed.

At one point, members of the crowd, both men and women, chanted, "Never take it down!"

The annual event is held to honor Robert E. Lee, the general who led the Confederate Army. His birthday is January 19. The crowd waved flags from Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama as well as the Confederate banner.

About half of those on hand for the event were dressed in Civil War uniforms and period garb.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans was founded in 1896. It has issued statements saying that the Confederate battle flag is recognized around the world as a symbol of "independence and self-determination." The group denies charges the emblem represents bigotry or hatred.

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The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Sons of Confederate Veterans

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