Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the James River, Lynchburg is a picturesque city, renowned for its Civil War history, beautiful scenery and small-town charm and hospitality.

When Lynchburgers think of our wonderful burg these activities come to mind: eating a greasy Texas Inn Cheesy Western, climbing the Monument Terrace stairs, watching the Hillcats play in the Bank of the James stadium, shopping in the revitalized downtown, and taking a second mortgage to watch a movie at the River Ridge cinema.

When outsiders think of Lynchburg, the only thing that comes to mind is Liberty University, the Mecca of dispensationalist evangelicalism.

The LU sign, sitting atop Candler’s Mountain can be seen from many vantage points. It’s an aesthetic nightmare, a scar on Candler’s Mountain, and it gives the false impression that LU is central to the town’s identity and daily life.

Austin Candler created a petition on Change.org, titled “Restore Candler’s Mountain to Preserve Family Heritage.” The mountain was named after his ancestor, Daniel Candler.

Candler’s petition seeks to have the “LU” logo changed to a cross, it’s his belief that the gigantic sign mars the Christian heritage embodied by his famous ancestor.

I agree that the LU monogram is an abomination but changing it to a cross wouldn’t be an improvement. How about replacing it with a “Lynchburg” sign, reminiscent of the famous Hollywood sign, that would represent Lynchburg residents, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.