Monday, March 30, 2015

THANK YOU...NOW WE NEED MORE POLES!

In the first quarter of 2015, we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement we have received for the Interstate Memorial Battle Flag Projects. After putting out the word that we were looking to purchase a new 80' pole for the I-81 site, we received the needed funds within two short weeks! In addition, the number of landowners contacting us with offers for Memorial Battle Flag leases has swelled to the point where we now have a waiting list.

One of our biggest needs right now is MORE POLES. Many times, we are able to reclaim used poles and save a ton of money on these projects. Please keep an eye out for existing flag poles that are no longer being used, or any that have already been removed and are available for sale. Contact info@vaflaggers.com if you have any leads.


Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150





Saturday, March 28, 2015

Va Flaggers: Memorial Confederate Battle Flag Raised on I-81 in Lexington

This morning, in a small, private ceremony, the Va Flaggers raised a 20' x 30' battle flag on an 80' pole on private land on Interstate I-81/I-64 just north/east of Lexington, Virginia.

 To the Glory of God and in memory and honor of our gallant Confederate heroes. 

The world shall yet decide
In truth's clear far-off light
That the soldiers who wore the grey and died with Lee
Were in the right.
 

She will fly proudly as a living, breathing memorial to our Confederate dead, and a beautiful tribute to our gallant ancestors. But, in the face of constant attacks by those who worship ignorance, historical revisionism, and political correctness, and at a time when the town of Lexington seems determined to completely ignore the sacrifice of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, she will also be a visible reminder to all who see her that there are still many of us with Confederate blood coursing through our veins, who refuse to allow the ignorance and prejudice of others to force us to relinquish our birthright.

The Lexington I-81 Memorial Battle Flag is the fourth roadside memorial battle flag erected in Virginia by the Va Flaggers since September of 2013, and part of an ongoing project to promote Confederate history and heritage, and honor Confederate Veterans in the Commonwealth. This project, and numerous other heritage defense efforts, is made possible through the generosity of supporters from across America and beyond.


Long may she wave!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Gifts to the Va Flaggers Roadside Memorial Battle Flag Fund can be mailed to:

Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 54
Sandston VA 23150






Va Flaggers: Lexington I-81 Memorial Flag Update

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...


The Lexington I-81 POLE IS UP!!!! After numerous weather delays, AND with rain moving in again tomorrow, and thanks to the assistance of several local residents and heavy equipment, a new 80' flag  pole was SET today on I-81, just East of Lexington, Virgina.

We will have a brief dedication/ceremony prior to raising a 20' x 30' battle flag THIS SATURDAY, March 28th, at 10:00 a.m, rain or shine.  We would like to cordially invite all who have supported us in this endeavor,  and all who honor Confederate history and heritage, to join us for the occasion.  If you would like to attend, please email a request for address/directions to info@vaflaggers.com.  We are also looking for anyone who might be able to help with a Confederate honor and/or color guard for the event. 

Following the ceremony, we will spend the afternoon flagging Washington & Lee University, so make plans to spend the day in Lexington, and  join us on the sidewalk to protest the administration's decision to remove Memorial Confederate Battle Flags from the mausoleum at the LEE Chapel. 

A W&L alumnus forwarded us a copy of a very poignant letter, published in the W&L Alumni Magazine, and gave us permission to share it with our supporters:

Editor
Washington & Lee University
7 Courthouse Square
204 W. Washington St.
Lexington, VA 24450-2116

Dear editor,

Across the road leading to my house is the entrance to the Fort Valley, a 30 mile long, narrow, scenic drive through the majestic Massanutten Mountain in northernmost Virginia, between Front Royal and Luray. My ancestors were among the first settlers in this secluded, pastoral valley in the mid-1700's.

There are six Cullers confederate soldiers buried in four separate family plots in close proximity about the center of the Fort Valley. Including my great grandfather and two great uncles. Great cousin Daniel Cullers enlisted when he turned 19 and was killed two weeks later at the 1st Battle of Manasses. My other great grandfather Stickley was shot in the throat at the Battle of Bull Run. Fortunately, he fell into the nearby creek and the rushing water cleaned out the wound. He spent the last year of the war in a Yankee prison camp, and returned home an emaciated skeleton.

We can trace several other related Confederate veterans on my grandmother's married side as well as her maiden family. In addition, much of this area was burned out, looted and devastated -- mostly by northern soldiers.

Those are the facts of history -- and no matter how you attempt to twist around, distort, and tweak them -- the historical facts remain immutable. And the fact of the matter is that the leadership of W&L University and the town of Lexington has succeeded in alienating a large number of the 70 million American descendants of those who fought for the Confederacy.

In view of your "politically correct" recent decisions, my regular contribution to the Annual Fund this year is going to the Virginia Flaggers. Although my contribution is but a drop in your bucket, it does add up over the past couple decades.

Congratulations on being named the 4th top college in the nation in Kiplinger's Top 50 List. But please don't grow too big for your britches or forget your roots!

Sincerely yours,

Robert M. Cullers
Class of 55

To Mr. Cullers, and ALL those whose generosity made this I-81 Lexington memorial possible, we offer our most sincere thanks, and pledge that with God's grace and the blessing of continued support, there will be many, many more to come.

The Virginia Flaggers
March 27, 2016 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

ON TO RICHMOND! The Sesquicentennial in the Capital of the Confederacy

Centennial Plaza, Richmond, Virginia 1961

Richmond Civil War Centennial

"The Civil War Centennial Center, in downtown Richmond, is your orientation point for visits to Virginia's wealth of Civil War Sites."

The city and Commonwealth were flooded with tourists and War Between the States enthusiasts, and their pocketbooks, as we commemorated the Centennial with educational programs, re-enactments, balls and battlefield tours.

Fast forward 50 years...and the focus has shifted almost entirely to commemorating slavery/emancipation... a statue of the tyrant Lincoln greets visitors to the American Civil War Museum, the home of what once was the Museum of the Confederacy...Sesquicentennial billboards around the city feature Richmond burning and Yankee spies/traitors...and the Confederate soldier has been all but forgotten in the Capital of the Confederacy's  PC "commemoration", which adopted for its official slogan the Yankee battle cry..."ON TO RICHMOND".

Any wonder why the Sesquicentennial has been a HUGE  "disappointment"? 

http://www.wsj.com/…/SB100014240527023038478045794813239916…

ON TO RICHMOND!

Virginia Flaggers









P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
info@vaflaggers.com 

Monday, March 23, 2015

Va Flaggers Highway Memorial Battle Flags Update

LEXINGTON: 

I-81 FLAG:  In the week leading up to  Lee-Jackson Day in January, the ground at the I-81 site was too wet for the installation of the 80' ft. pole that was purchased.  The pole will sit high on a hill, and the ground must be completely dry to prevent the crane, needed to set the pole, from slipping.  Since that time, we experienced back to back to back winter storms that caused us to cancel two different scheduled installation dates.  There was still standing water at the site last week, but we are anticipating several days of sunshine and wind, and hope to install the pole next week.  If we are able to do so, we will have a flag raising/dedication at the site on Saturday, March 28th, at 10:00 a.m.  All are welcome/invited to attend.  Please stay tuned for updates later this week with confirmation of the pole installation and more details about the ceremony.


Jackson Farm Flag:  We have instituted a plan to keep an eye on wind forecasts, and thanks to the help of a local volunteer, are able to lower the flag when high winds move through.  Our final task at this site is lighting, which is planned for sometime later this spring.


Photo:  Lexington Memorial Battle Flag #1: Jackson Farm Flag on Rt 60 just East of Lexington City Limits, Courtesy of Tredegar DroneWorks.

FREDERICKSBURG:

Last month, we switched out the 20x30 flag that had become tattered for a new one.  The lighting is in place and operational at this site, and she is quite the topic of conversation, throughout the Commonwealth.



Savage's Station:  We are pleased with the new, heavier quality ANV installed at the Savage's Station site, and have received many positive comments from site visitors and local  residents.


CHESTER: 

The 15x15 ANV flag was showing signs of wear, and was switched out temporarily with a 10 x 15 AOT.  The flag was skilfully and beautifully repaired by Mrs. Judy Pierce of the Sally Tompkins Chapter, OCR, and is currently being cleaned.  We plan to switch it back out later this week.

We have scheduled a work day for the Chester site for Saturday, April 11, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. where will be clearing debris, cutting brush and trees, and doing site work and general clean-up.  We welcome all assistance in this endeavor, including trucks, equipment, and skilled and unskilled labor.

CHARLOTTESVILLE:

We ran an advertisement in the Daily Progress in Charlottesville last week, asking for land to install a flag, and received several responses.  We will be evaluating the properties and meeting further with landowners in the coming weeks to determine the feasibility of placing flags at the site(s).

We are also in the process of finalizing details for a flag site that will be a joint project with the Army of Northern Virginia/Mechanized Cavalry.  In the meantime, we continue to receive inquiries for flag installations in locations across the Commonwealth, and requests for assistance raising flags in other states, as well, which we are trying to prioritize and schedule. 

Our own Judy Smith has produced a 8 1/2 x 11 flier of the ad that can be used to post on community boards and/or distribute at heritage organizations in Virginia, to help locate land for additional flag sites.  We have attached a copy (PDF).  Please help us spread the word and assist with the expansion of the Highway Memorial Battle Flags projects.

SITE AD FLIER.pdf

Thank you all for your generous support, encouragement and continued prayers.

Sincerely,
Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers









Gifts to the Va Flaggers Battle Flag Projects can be mailed to:

Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 54
Sandston VA 23150

Or through PayPal here: http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html

Friday, March 20, 2015

VaFlaggers: An Invitation

A few weeks ago, Grayson received an intriguing invitation from the President of the National Alliance of Faith and Justice to join them for a dialogue with participants in their moving classroom, as it travels from DC to Alabama this week. She had followed the stories of the Fredericksburg I-95 Battle Flag with great interest since she lives in Stafford, and was hoping to facilitate a lesson on the front end of their journey that would embrace all sides of the discussion. She felt that connecting with someone from the Virginia Flaggers was important to that discussion, and set out to make contact with us. After some discussion and prayer, and based on our positive interaction with the group's president, we decided to accept the invitation and agreed to meet with them.

Thursday night, we joined them for supper, and shared information about who we are, what we do, and presented historical information regarding our flags. What was scheduled as a 15 minute presentation turned into an over hour long question, answer, and discussion period, covering many topics and issues regarding the Confederate flag. Though often passionate, the discourse was at all times courteous and respectful, and we appreciated the opportunity to let our voice (and that of our Confederate ancestors) be heard.



When the meeting came to a close, discussion continued as individual members chatted with us, asked us to pose for photos, and repeatedly expressed their gratitude that we were willing to come to talk with them.


At a time when civil discourse has all but disappeared from the public landscape, it was refreshing to have the opportunity to exchange thoughts and information, on a topic that stirs such strong emotions, without the vitriol and hostility that usually accompanies such subject matter...and without compromising our beliefs or convictions.

We expect to have the opportunity to continue the conversation in the near future.

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers









Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
info@vaflaggers.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Professors Call For Ban of US Flag on College Campuses

Hmmm...banning a flag because someone claims it's "racist" and because it might "offend" somebody... sounds vaguely familiar... WHERE have we heard that before...?!?!?!

For all those who sit quietly by while they continue to attack, remove, and censor Confederate flags, on the SAME FALSE PRETENSES... the chickens have come home to roost...

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/03/11/professors-us-flag-symbolizes-racism-should-not-be-displayed-on-campus/#

"A group of university professors has signed a letter showing their solidarity with students who tried to ban the American flag at the University of California, Irvine -- because they said Old Glory contributes to racism."

Are YOU mad enough yet?

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
info@vaflaggers.com




Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Charlottesville City Council Strikes 127 Year Tradition in Latest Assault on Confederate History

Since the January announcement that Charlottesville City Councilman Kristen Szacos had proposed an ordinance change that would eliminate the Lee-Jackson City Holiday in Charlottesville, we have shared information about the rich Confederate history of the city.  One of my favorite topics is the presentation of a battle flag to the men of Stuart's Horse Artillery, hand sewn by the ladies of Charlottesville by the Mayor and City Council of Charlottesville, after they managed to turn back the Yankee army, against 5 to 1 odds, and save the city from destruction during the Battle of Rio Hill on February 29, 1864.  There is a good summary here:
  
http://m.dailyprogress.com/lifestyles/yesteryears_column/yesteryears-grateful-charlottesville-residents-presented-a-special-flag-after-rio/article_93d2b27e-a614-11e3-922c-0017a43b2370.html?mode=jqm#.Ux0t7hj1fsA.twitter

When our friend Blaine Hypes, of the Flat Top Copperheads in WV, saw one of the posts about the flag, he contacted me and told me he had a replica and wanted us to have it to use in our fight in Charlottesville.  I was thrilled, but even more so when I received it and it turned out to be a custom-made beauty!  Last night, we took the flag with us, and before the meeting, visited the Confederate monument, just a few blocks away from council chambers.  A citizen passing by offered to take a photo of us holding the flag.



When we arrived at council chambers, 45 minutes early, there was already a line to sign up for one of 12 available slots for public speaking.  We were disappointed when we made our way to the sign-up sheet, and realized that we were numbers 13, 14, and 15 in line, respectively, and none of us would have the opportunity to speak.  With a full half hour left before the meeting was to begin, we saw the Charlottesville citizen who had been shouted down at the last meeting when he spoke in favor of the Lee-Jackson holiday, and I took the flag over to show him and chat with him a bit.  I went back to my seat, admittedly frustrated that we wouldn't have the opportunity to speak.  Moments later, someone tapped my shoulder, and when I looked up, it was the same gentleman, who had come to offer us his slot to speak.  He said that he speaks at every meeting, and he wanted us to have the opportunity to do so since we had come so far.  Overwhelmed by his generous offer, we accepted and quickly decided to combine the contents of the presentations we had prepared and that I would deliver the address.

I included the history of the flag, and Patrick and Barry held it up as I spoke.  Video of my remarks can be viewed here, with special thanks to Terry L. Hulsey of Fort Worth, TX, for granting me permission to use a quote from his correspondence to City Council... and David Tatum for posting the video:


Transcript of remarks:
Honorable Mayor, Councilors, Citizens of the Charlottesville and the Commonwealth,

Since I last spoke in these chambers, much has been made about the fact that I, and a few others who spoke against the proposed amendment to remove the Lee-Jackson holiday, are not Charlottesville residents, as if that somehow makes what we have to say irrelevant.  After witnessing the way speakers in this chamber were treated who dared to have an opinion different than those of the vocal citizens in attendance, I can completely understand why the hundreds of citizens of Charlottesville who have contacted us do not feel comfortable attending these meetings or speaking up in this atmosphere.

Charlottesville has a rich Confederate history. On March 7, 1864, the ladies of Charlottesville presented a hand sewn flag to the men of Stuart's Horse Artillery after the unit, facing 5 to 1 odds, stopped the Yankee army from burning and destroying Charlottesville.  The battle flag was carried by the unit until it surrendered in April of 1865, and is now on display in the Jefferson County Museum in Charles Town, WV.  The flag shows the patina of age, along with the rents of battle, but it continues to serve as a reminder of what might have been the worst day in Charlottesville history, if not for the courage of its brave defenders.

Some friends in West Virginia had a replica made and we brought it today to the show the assembly.

I would like to again point out the real and present danger of the precedence you are setting, should you decide to eliminate this holiday tonight.  If you take it upon yourselves to strike down a holiday that was established by the duly elected representatives of this city, you are opening the door to having the same thing happen to Thomas Jefferson Day, for instance, should a future council decide he is not "worthy" of honoring.  I, and many of those present here, witnessed one of your own citizens call for the removal of every trace of Thomas Jefferson from the very city that he helped build, and receive APPLAUSE and CHEERS in this chamber, following his remarks.  Certainly, you MUST see that once you open this door, there will be no end to the PC cleansing of our history and heritage.

In the background of this proposed amendment, Charlottesville's commitment to be a "Community of Mutual Respect" is cited, apparently as one of the reasons for this change, which reads:

In all endeavors, the City of Charlottesville is committed to racial and cultural diversity, inclusion, racial reconciliation, economic justice, and equity. As a result, every citizen is respected. Interactions among city leaders, city employees and the public are respectful, unbiased, and without prejudice.
 How can you possibly claim cultural diversity when you choose to dishonor Confederate Veterans, whose descendants make up a large segment of your population?  How can you suggest that this amendment will promote racial reconciliation, when it serves to divide instead of bring people together?  How can you claim that this decision is unbiased, and without prejudice when it singles out an entire group of people and dishonors their heritage?

I understand that at least one member of this very Council has suggested that the Confederate Memorials here in Charlottesville, yes, even, the magnificent equestrian sculpture of Robert E. Lee, copied in many localities across the U.S., should be removed, and by your actions tonight, you will show the Commonwealth and the nation whether or not you are heading down that very dangerous path.

But, even if you choose to move forward with this desecration, and should your backwater tyranny temporarily succeed, you will, ultimately, fail. History will remain unchanged, and the sterling character of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson will remain, long after your names are forgotten. 

I urge you to set aside the prejudice and bias which led to this proposed amendment, and leave the Lee-Jackson Holiday as is. 
When the public speaking period ended, Councilmen responded to the public comments and not one of them addressed the Lee-Jackson Day issue.  Not only that, but instead of calling for a vote and having each councilman publicly record their vote for or against the ordinance, they approved it unanimously as part of a "consent agenda", bundled with a number of other resolutions and appropriations.  This was obviously intentional and a predetermined method of avoiding making any type of individual public statement... a cowardly move, and stunning even for those who were well versed on the background and history of this council.

Returning home after midnight, I received a message from someone suggesting that going to Charlottesville had been a waste of time.  I strongly disagree.  Even though there were a few moments Monday afternoon when, thinking of other things that demanded my attention, I considered bowing out, those of us who attended were overwhelmingly grateful that we had taken the time to do so.  We had the opportunity to once again go on public record against the Council, share a bit of Confederate history with a packed chamber (including a large number of local high school students in attendance), and made sure that Council knew there were at least a handful of citizens who will not go quietly into the night. On top of all that, we got to flag City Council!  ;)

That alone would have been enough to make the trip worthwhile, but as we were leaving we had conservations with no less than TWO local residents about putting Battle Flag Memorials on their property in Charlottesville.  It appears that City Council has alienated a large segment of its population, and we can only pray that the unwarranted assault on the Lee-Jackson holiday will serve as a wake-up in Charlottesville, and across the Commonwealth.  In addition, a local resident who is involved with public access television offered to have us develop a regular segment, highlighting Confederate history and heritage defense issues!

We left Charlottesville disgusted by the manner in which the Charlottesville City Council took it upon themselves to strike down a holiday which had been rightfully observed in the city since 1888¦ but with the satisfaction of knowing that taking a stand for what is right is ALWAYS the right thing to do, no matter what the odds.

Many thanks to all those who took the time to write letters and emails and make phone calls to members of City Council.  Your support is greatly appreciated and was not in vain.  They may have won this battle, but we have no intention of giving up the fight.  Stay tuned...

Sincerely,
Susan Hathaway








Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
info@vaflaggers.com

 
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