Final answer:
Robert E. Lee believed that Confederate monuments would only keep open the wounds of war, reminding people of the divisions caused by the Civil War. The call to remove Confederate symbols has increased recently due to the perception that they glorify a painful period in American history and perpetuate racism and oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert E. Lee's statement about Confederate monuments keeping open the sores of war meant that displaying these monuments would continue to remind people of the painful divisions caused by the Civil War. Lee believed that it was important to move forward and not dwell on the past conflict. The call to remove Confederate symbols has increased recently because many people view these symbols as glorifying a painful period in American history and perpetuating racism and oppression.