By Chris Teale (File photo)

The Confederate National Flag will no longer be flown on city property on Robert E. Lee’s birthday or Confederate Memorial Day after city councilors unanimously approved the measure Tuesday night.

The flag — different from the more common battle flag — had been flown on January 19 to commemorate Lee’s birthday and the last Monday in May for Confederate Memorial Day, two holidays recognized in some former Confederate states.

But that will no longer be the case as part of council’s consideration of the various references to the Confederacy  around the Port City, including street names and possible steps that can be taken regarding the Appomattox statue at the intersection of South Washington and Prince streets.

City councilors approved the formation of a committee to explore any possible changes to street names, after city staff spent the summer compiling an inventory of Confederate and possible Confederate street names in Alexandria. That committee will include residents, although its make-up will be finalized at a later date.

Moving the Appomattox statue would require approval from the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, which has placed restrictions on what can be done to war memorials throughout the state, of which Appomattox is considered one.