Saturday, September 26, 2015

I-64 Savage's Station Kershaw's Brigade Memorial Battle Flag Raised in Sandston, Virginia

At a private ceremony in Henrico County this morning, the Virginia Flaggers raised our 12th Roadside Memorial Battle Flag, and the first on Interstate 64 in Virginia. On land leased from a private citizen, a 10' x 15' Army of Tennessee Battle Flag was raised on a 50' pole to the cheers and shouts of those in attendance.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk9MoG9KhTk&feature=player_embedd 

As of late last night, the forecast was for steady rain all day in the Richmond area, but we planned to raise the flag rain or shine, and prepared for a downpour. As the 10:00 scheduled start time approached, we were amazed and thankful that the rain tapered off to the point that after a few sprinkles at the very beginning, the rain completely held off for our ceremony! We were blessed to have Rev. Dr. Herman White bring the keynote message, and bagpipe music by PipeMajor David Hinton added beauty and reverence to the dedication and flag raising. We counted among those in attendance, supporters who had traveled from as far away as Missouri...and TEXAS... to join us for this weekend's events!

This location has high visibility from both west and east bound lanes... and with traffic counts of 70,000+ reported daily, and its close proximity to the Capital of the Confederacy... will be a very visible reminder to citizens, tourists, and all who see her, of Richmond's rich Confederate heritage and history.


Those of you who have followed our Interstate Battle Flag installations know that we have been absolutely blown away by the way God has led us to sites that are not only highly visible, but have significant historical relevance. This site is no exception.

A few months ago, I heard that someone had raised a flag on I-64 in Sandston. I rode by the property on 64, and even though it was a small flag on a small pole, I was excited to discover that it could STILL see it from the interstate. I contacted the person responsible and asked if they would be interested in having a larger pole installed with a larger flag. The response was a resounding YES!

Of course, we were thrilled to have a large flag going up on such a great spot on Interstate 64. I was unprepared, however, for what we discovered when we began researching the property and its significance during the War Between the States, specifically its relevance to the Savage's Station Battle, June 29, 1862.

Not only is our flag site sitting squarely on the Southern end of the actual battlefield, but by overlaying present day maps with maps from the battle field, we discovered that the flag will fly over what once was the field that Kershaw's Brigade charged across at 5:00 p.m that evening!

This discovery led us to name the flag in honor of Gen. Kershaw.

The flag was dedicated today to the Glory of God, and in memory and honor of our Confederate Heroes. She will serve as a living, breathing memorial, and a 24/7 reminder that there are still those of use with Confederate blood flowing through our veins who will not sit idly by while our heritage is attacked, history is erased, and our Veterans become the subject of derision Gen. Cleburne warned us about over 150 years ago.

"The world shall yet decide, in truth's clear far-off light
That the Soldiers who wore the gray and rode with Lee, were in the right."


Va Flaggers I-64 Savage's Station, Kershaw's Brigade Memorial Battle Flag, as seen from Westbound Interstate 64

The Virginia Flaggers Memorial Battle Flag projects are made possible by financial support from across the Commonwealth and beyond. We currently have numerous additional Memorial Battle Flag projects in various stages of development, and a waiting list for flags that grows longer with each new attack on our history and heritage.

Aerial photo courtesy of Tredegar DroneWorks:

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Post ceremony aerial video by Tredegar Drone Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4olE4vr15-oÂ

"For every flag removed, a thousand more will rise to take its place."

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Monday, September 21, 2015

Confederate Air Force Takes Flight in the Capital of the Confederacy

Last week, a group known as "The Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality" announced that they would hold a press conference at the Jefferson Davis Monument in Richmond, on the opening day of the UCI Bike Races, easily the largest athletic event our city has ever hosted.


"We want to tell the world that Richmonders do not support showcasing these monuments of Confederate military and political leaders during this world-famous sports event," said Ana Edwards, who chairs the Defenders' Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project. "At a time when cities across the South are removing these symbols of the oppression of Black people, it's an embarrassment that our city, the former capital of the Confederacy, would choose to highlight these statues to a world audience."

The Virginia Flaggers were asked by the local media to give a response to this planned press conference and we issued the following statement:

The Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality is an extremist group who failed at their attempts to have the UCI bike races rerouted away from the Confederate Monuments that line Monument Avenue, where tourists from the Commonwealth, the United States, and around the globe visit just to view and admire the stately monuments and memorials to our Confederate Heroes.

This group, like so many others around the country is attempting to exploit an unrelated tragedy in South Carolina as an excuse to cast aspersion on our Confederate Veterans and force their lopsided, uneducated, politically correct view of history on all of Richmond's citizens.  Recent polls have shown that the majority of the citizens of the Commonwealth, including the Governor, do not want to see any of our Veterans' monuments or memorials disturbed or removed.

This press conference is an obvious ploy to get publicity and disrupt the planned activities this weekend. At a time when the citizens of Richmond should be uniting and putting our best foot forward to welcome so many to our great city, this group has decided to use the platform to further divide us and stir up trouble where none exists.

As the proud descendants of the Confederate soldiers who bravely fought to defend the Commonwealth, we will not sit by quietly and allow the attempted destruction of our history to continue. The Va Flaggers have coordinated patrols of the city's monuments each night since June 26, when one of our folks surprised a vandal in the act of defacing the Jefferson Davis Monument. Thanks to information they were able to provide, and evidence left at the scene, the perpetrator was subsequently arrested and convicted.

Since that time, over four dozen volunteers, including a father-son duo from Pennsylvania, and a couple who traveled all the way from Chicago, Illinois, have stepped up to serve as Monument Guards. We will continue to patrol the monuments as long as there is any threat of vandalism, and are ready and willing to meet any and all calls for removal of these priceless treasures with the same fortitude, determination and perseverance shown by our ancestors some 150 years ago.


Yesterday, about a dozen protesters gathered near the Jefferson Davis Monument.
  
"Ana Edwards, chair of the Defenders Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project, spoke first. She said that the Defenders had reached out to the UCI Richmond 2015's four chairmen and additionally to the UCI International Committee in Europe, asking both to change the route. But her request was rejected. 

"We are here today to tell the world that most Richmonders do not support showcasing these monuments to Confederate military and political leaders during this world famous sporting event," Edwards said. (From WTVR 6 Report)
She went on to say that the "shooting in Charleston indicates our work is not done"...called on Richmonders to "Honor black history, not Confederate shrines"...and insisted that "many are calling for removal of [statues]"



In planning our counter to this coming protest, and considering the bike races which would draw thousands to the area, we decided to hire a banner plane to carry our message.  Contrary to some reports in the media, we never had any intention of attending the "Defenders of Justice and Equality" Press conference (at least not on the ground)...and the suggestion that the possibility of our presence lead to additional police presence is laughable, considering we have been protesting in Richmond twice a week, for four years, without incident.

Instead, and without us even having to be present,  a small plane with a huge Battle Flag and the message "CONFEDERATE HEROES MATTER" buzzed the protesters, race participants and spectators, and citizens in Richmond and surrounding counties.


Almost as soon as the plane took off from a local airport, we started receiving phone calls, texts, and messages about sightings in New Kent, Hanover, Henrico, and Richmond.  Twitter and FB exploded with reports of a huge Confederate Flag in the air in Richmond...and about an hour into the flight, we got word that the pilot had transposed our message, and misspelled the word "HEROES".


Despite the unfortunate "typo" on the part of the pilot, the banner plane was a phenomenal success, circling downtown for two hours with a huge Battle Flag and a message that was perfectly clear, seen by thousands (including those gathered to protest our monuments) and, judging from the firestorm created on social media, obviously served to cause quite a few Anti-Confederate haters' heads to explode on (visual) contact.


The topic of conversation at the press conference, in the media, and on social media throughout the afternoon changed from removing monuments...to the appearance of the Confederate Air Force at the bike races in Richmond...


MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 

Meanwhile, across town, our folks were enjoying the day at the Field Day of the Past.  Our booth was busy all day, with hundreds of people stopping by to show their support and pick up Confederate flags, t-shirts, and stickers.  We gave away over 1,000 stickers in the first two days, and were thrilled with the attendance and positive response.



Huge crowds, beautiful weather, selling out of flags, and overwhelming support.

But this story is the highlight of the afternoon..


These gentleman approached our table. They told us that they had  written reports on Karen and her defense of Confederate Heritage for a school assignment. They were thrilled to meet her in person, and we were honored to chat with them. Karen signed a copy of "Give This Book To A Yankee", a book folks at Sea Raven Press, by which includes her forward, and we presented it to them.

The future of the South is in good hands with young men like these.

By the way...they both got A's.

We leave you with this brief video clip of the banner plane as it buzzed the press conference.  Might be the best 15 seconds you spend today.   :)


God bless all those who worked so hard to make yesterday such a HUGE Confederate success, those who helped fund the banner plane ...and GOD SAVE THE SOUTH!

The Virginia Flaggers









Defender's Images from Facebook

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Texas Division, SCV Division Executive Committee Proclamation

The Va Flaggers were honored to receive word on Saturday that the Texas Division, SCV Division Executive Committee had, by unanimous vote of approval, issued the following proclamation:
Texas Division, SCV, September 12, 2015 
Texas Division Resolution on the Virginia Flaggers

Whereas the Texas Division believes in aggressive defense of Southern heritage and the Confederate soldier, and

Whereas the Virginia Flaggers have represented the honor, integrity, decency, grace, and can-do spirit of the Confederate soldier, and

Whereas the leadership of the Virginia Flaggers has displayed a keen ability to bring the message of heritage defense directly to the masses, and

Whereas the Virginia Flaggers have raised awareness of the desire by some to destroy our Southern culture forever, and

Whereas the Virginia Flaggers have stepped into leadership in the Southern heritage movement and successfully fulfilled the Charge of General Stephen Dill Lee, and

Whereas the Virginia Flaggers have gained such success that they have become a true voice of leadership in the Southern heritage movement, and

Whereas the Virginia Flaggers represent the active principle in heritage defense and

Whereas the Virginia Flaggers serve as a positive, noble, and honorable role model for all those interested in defending Southern history and heritage, therefore, be it

Resolved that on this 12th day of September, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 2015, that the Texas Division, SCV, does hereby affirm our support and admiration for the Virginia Flaggers and call upon all Southern Patriots, from across the Confederation, to fight for the survival of our sacred symbols and history, in the spirit of the Confederate soldiers of yesterday and the Virginia Flaggers of today.
We are humbled to be so recognized by the fine men of the Texas Division, SCV, grateful for their generous and faithful support, and inspired by the encouraging and kind sentiments offered in the proclamation. 


The Major Robert M. White Camp #1250, Temple, TX, presenting Susan with a personalized Gonzales flag during her visit to the Lone Star State, December, 2014.

God bless the men of the Texas Division, SCV...and God Save the South!

VaFlaggers

Monday, September 14, 2015

Rally to Stuart Report ... and Beyond

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of speaking to the members of the Ivy Ritchie Camp #1734, SCV, in Albermarle, NC.  On Friday, I spent the day visiting the area around Stuart:  Mt. Airy and Pilot Mountain, NC... Ararat, and Stuart.  I had never visited Laurel Hill, J.E.B. Stuart's ancestral and boyhood home, and was glad to have to opportunity to do so, in preparation for attending the rally on Saturday.

As I visited these places, I carried a little stick battle flag in my bag.  Aside from quite a few positive comments and "thumbs up", it opened the door to many great conversations with the good folks in this part of the country.  ACROSS THE BOARD, everyone I talked to was upset about the removal of the J.E.B. Stuart portrait from the Patrick County Courthouse, and wanted to know what they could do to help get it back up.

When we arrived for the rally, we found that this sentiment was echoed by those who had gathered, who expressed anger and outrage at Judge Clark's decision and his very apparent disdain for all things Confederate, as expressed in his "statement".  Wayne Jones did a fantastic job organizing the event and gave a stirring speech that moved everyone in attendance. We were thrilled that Rev. Dr. Herman White  made the trip up from High Point, and we all enjoyed his remarks, full of the fire and brimstone we all needed to hear!  

After the event, we were busy for at least an hour, talking to folks who wanted to put up flags on their property, who were eager to know how they could get involved and help get the portrait returned to its rightful place, and wanted more information about the Va Flaggers and what we do. 


We were absolutely overwhelmed by the warm welcome and sincere thanks expressed by the people of Stuart, not only during and immediately following the rally, but throughout the rest of the day, as we visited many of the over ONE DOZEN potential flag sites for which we have received requests, SO FAR. 

Local law enforcement and State Police had a good presence at the rally, but there was not a single sign of counter protest, or even a negative comment heard throughout the entire day, a stark contrast to what we experienced in DC one week earlier:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4uRLNVrOuk

What a welcome respite to be able to spend time in this part of the Commonwealth, with such good folks.  If God created anything more beautiful than the Blue Ridge mountains, I have yet to see it.  We were on the Blue Ridge Parkway near sunset Saturday evening, and had the opportunity to stop and appreciate and enjoy His handiwork.  
  

"If all else fails, I will retreat up the valley of Virginia, plant my flag on the Blue Ridge, rally around the Scotch-Irish of that region and make my last stand for liberty amongst a people who will never submit to British tyranny whilst there is a man left to draw a trigger." Attributed to George Washington, at Valley Forge.
We will be evaluating the numerous flag sites and planning for the first installations very soon.  We also hope to get back to town and work with the folks there in training for and kicking off flagging operations in Stuart.

God bless the memory of General J.E.B. Stuart, and GOD SAVE THE SOUTH!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Friday, September 4, 2015

Four Years and Going Strong -- With Many Thanks

First entry in very first Va Flagger notebook...and first draft of logo. Four years ago, a group of Confederates who barely knew each other got together and decided to take a stand at the Confederate Memorial Chapel in Richmond, Virginia. None of us could have had any idea what the next four years would bring.
On our fourth anniversary, we pause to thank each and every person whose prayers and support have made this incredible ride possible, and look to the future with renewed determination to defend the honor of our Confederate ancestors and the flags under which they fought and died... and a fresh commitment to STAND, FIGHT, and NEVER BACK DOWN!

Susan Hathaway
The Virginia Flaggers