Grand Prairie-based Six Flags on Friday replaced the long flying Confederate flag with flags of the United States as it reluctantly weighed in on the debate over monuments to the country's fractured history.

In announcing the change, the nation's largest regional theme park issued a statement focused on unity.

"We always choose to focus on celebrating the things that unite us vs. those that divide us," said spokeswoman Sharon Parker. "As such, we have changed the flag displays in our park to feature American flags."

Parker stressed that the park used the Confederate States flag, also known as the Stars and Bars, which is different from the so-called red Confederate battle flag with the prominent blue X.

The flag was one of six meant to symbolize the history of Texas, representing Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the Confederacy.