Susan Hathaway and the Va Flaggers -- Holiday Reflections

I frequently get messages from friends and supporters, with links to blog posts, websites, or FaceBook pages that are filled with baseless and vicious attacks on me personally, or the Virginia Flaggers. Although I appreciate that others are letting us know about these hate sites and posts, I decided long ago not to read or pay any attention to what they had to say. There are several folks who keep a close eye on them, and will let me know if there is something that I may need to know as far as it concerns my personal safety, or that of my family -- or more often, when I just need a good belly laugh. 

These folks have been screeching and squawking for over four years now, trying to get anyone to pay attention to their outrageous accusations and 7 degrees of separation ridiculous "gotcha" moments, with little or no success. They have falsely accused us of everything from digging up graves to put up flag poles, to stealing our own excavator,  to kidnapping, to having membership in the Klan. 

There are those who would have us spend time and money trying to get these people shut down. I am not one of them. As we are more and more successful, these "sore winners" become more bitter and churlish -- and their blogs, websites and FaceBook pages only serve to very clearly show their true intent and the depth of their deep-seeded hatred for all things Southern. Frequently, when someone stumbles upon one of their sites, or reads one of their posts, they get a glimpse of the real depravity of these folks, and we, and the Cause we represent, gain new support.

I am often asked if I have plans to sue any of these folks who so clearly are guilty of slander and libel. I have never really been inclined to devote time and resources to such matters. Besides, most of them hide behind fake profiles, bogus user names, and blogs with no identification. Ironic, is it not, that the folks who released our names on a bogus KKK list... with the obvious intent to bring harm to innocent people... are the ones wearing the hoods and masks...?

The bottom line is this... I am glad these folks are doing what they do. In Romans 8:28, God promises that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." He very clearly said ALL things, and this is no exception. 150 years after Lee surrendered, these people are every day providing hard evidence of the real differences between us and them, and should serve to remind us all to pause every day to thank God for our noble birthright, and to never stand down from our duty to defend the honor and good name of the Confederate soldier.

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Virginia Flaggers invite all of our friends and supporters to join us as we pause to give thanks to Almighty God for our bountiful blessings and continued shield of protection against our foes. We wish you and yours a blessed and very Happy Thanksgiving and encourage you to follow the example set by President Jefferson Davis:

"...Now, therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, do issue this, my proclamation, setting apart Thursday, the 18th day of September inst., as a day of prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God for the great mercies vouchsafed to our people, and more especially for the triumph of our arms at Richmond and Manassas;

and I do hereby invite the people of the Confederate States to meet on that day at their respective places of public worship, and to unite in rendering thanks and praise to God for these great mercies, and to implore Him to conduct our country safely through the perils which surround us, to the final attainment of the blessings of peace and security. Given under my hand and the seal of the Confederate States, at Richmond, this fourth day of September, A.D. 1862"

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

FOUR NEW MASSIVE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAGS ADDED TO THE DANVILLE SKYLINE

Before heading out to raise and dedicate four new memorial flags in Danville yesterday, Va Flaggers and supporters re-dedicated the Robertson Bridge/Memorial Drive site by replacing the Third National that was stolen a few weeks ago.

The flag was only down for a few hours on the day it was stolen, since a Confederate Battle Flag was raised the same day, and the crowd gathered Saturday was thrilled to see the massive Third National return to town, to replace the tiny 3x5 that was stripped from its rightful place on the Confederate Veterans monument on the grounds of the Last Capitol of the Confederacy by Danville City Council just a few short months ago.

Our enemies who resort to vandalism and theft will soon learn that we have plenty of flags...and plenty of people ready to raise them right back up.

We will win this...because we love the flag more than they hate it.

After a ceremony at the Robertson Bridge site, complete with Confederate Color Guard, greetings from local Heritage Organizations, and a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Herman White of High Point, NC, the crowd that had assembled headed out to the first of FOUR sites where new flags would be raised.

The first stop was Stokesland Cemetery, where we raised a Battle Flag in the cemetery that is the final resting place of several Confederate Veterans.

The Pittsylvania Vindicators, Camp #828 SCV, has been caring for the cemetery for several years, and Camp Commander Frank Harvey told the crowd of plans to add paving, a cannon, and a marker which will list the names of all of the Confederate dead.

This flag is highly visible from West Main Street. The Stokesland Cemetery Roadside Memorial Battle Flag is #6 for Danville, and #14 for the Va Flaggers in the Commonwealth.

From the cemetery, we headed to the Va/NC border for the raising of the next flag, which is located on the Westbound Side of the Danville Expressway.

The Holland Road/Danville Expressway Memorial Roadside Battle Flag is #7 for Danville, and #15 for the Va Flaggers in the Commonwealth.

From Holland Road, we headed out 58 East, to a site ON 58, just east of Danville. At this location, we raised a 10x15 Battle Flag on a 55' Pole...

The honks, waves, and thumbs ups began almost as soon as we raised her, and continued as we dedicated her to the Glory of God and the memory and honor of the Confederate soldiers who defended the Commonwealth from invasion.

The Hwy 58/Ringgold Memorial Roadside Battle Flag is #8 for Danville, and #16 for the Va Flaggers in the Commonwealth.

Heading back into town, our fourth and final flag raising of the day took place just off Riverside Dr in the heart of Danville, near the Danville Mall. The flag site overlooks Central Blvd, and is highly visible at one of the busiest intersections in Danville. The moon was taking her place in the Danville sky as we lifted the Battle Flag high.

The Central Boulevard Memorial Roadside Battle Flag is #9 for Danville, #17 for the Va Flaggers in the Commonwealth...and we have only just begun to fight.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day in the Last Capital of the Confederacy. God was smiling on us and watching over those who had worked so hard during the week to make this a reality. We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown from the Danville community and local heritage organizations. What we have been able to accomplish in Danville is a testimony of what can be done when our people come together. We are thankful for the support of and cooperation from the local SCV, UDC, SCV/Mechanized Cavalry, OCR, ANV/Mechanized Cavalry, Heritage Preservation Association, Danville Confederate Memorial Association and countless individuals who have joined in this fight. The battle is being fought on many fronts€¦ from the courthouse, to the City Council, to the streets of Danville€¦ and we have no intention of backing down until the Third National is returned to its lawful and rightful place on the grounds of the Sutherland Mansion.

We did not ask for this fight, but like our Confederate ancestors whose blood flows through our veins, we are honor and duty bound to finish it.

#LetTheFlagFly
#RaiseYourBattleFlag
#NoVotesForTurncoats

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

*To request a Roadside Memorial Battle Flag on your property, email: info@vaflaggers.com
*For more information on how to support the Danville Confederate Memorial Association and their efforts to purchase the Sutherlin Mansion, click here... https://www.gofundme.com/DCMAVA

Wirz Memorial, SCV Camp Meetings, Veterans' Day

On November 1st, I had the privilege of attending the annual Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial Service in Andersonville, GA. This year marked the 150th Anniversary of the unconstitutional Military Tribunal, farce trial, and hanging of Capt. Henry Wirz based on perjury and lies. Americus Sumter County Georgia SCV Camp 78 has held an annual memorial service for Capt. Wirz each year beginning in 1974.

It was an honor to meet Col. Heinrich Wirz (retired-Swiss Army), great nephew of Capt. Henry Wirz who came from Switzerland to attend. Col. Wirz has worked tirelessly to clear the name of his ancestor and vows to continue the fight until he is vindicated.

Many thanks to Commander James King and Wirz Committee Chairman James Gaston of the SCV Camp 141, Albany, GA for their gracious hospitality and warm welcome!

On the following Tuesday evening, I would travel to Campbell County to speak to the Campbell County Guards, Camp #2117. The turnout was fantastic, and I was thrilled to learn that the camp has DOUBLED their membership since January of this year, and had the pleasure of seeing four new members sworn in that night!

The Campbell Guards are in the process of raising money to place a Confederate monument to the Confederate soldiers who served from Campbell County. I learned that Campbell County is one of only two counties in Virginia that do not have a Confederate monument. The Campbell Guards plan to correct that by erecting a monument on private land next year...complete with Confederate flag! :)

This past Sunday, I headed South to Whiteville, NC, to speak at the November meeting of the Columbus County Volunteers Camp #794. It was a great meeting, with an enthusiastic crowd, terrific hospitality, and the chance to meet and make many new friends.

The Whiteville camp has some exciting plans in the work, and I hope to return in the very near future to attend a very special dedication ceremony!

Yesterday, back in Richmond, members of the Edmund Ruffin Fire-Eaters Camp #3000, the Captain William Latane #1690, and the R. E. Lee #1589 Camps, SCV participated in the annual Veterans' Day Service at the Virginia War Memorial, placing wreaths in memory and honor of Virginia's Confederate Veterans.

At the Whiteville Camp, during Q&A after my presentation, one gentleman posed the following question..."Of all the great moments that the Va Flaggers have experienced, what is your PERSONAL FAVORITE... a moment when you just knew liberal heads were exploding...?" As of today, I have a new answer to that question...THIS PHOTO...

Yesterday at the annual Veterans Day service at the Virginia War Memorial, wreaths were laid by local Sons of Confederate Veterans Camps in memory of Virginia's Confederate Veterans. In this photo, a Veteran of color, is seen helping another Veteran of color place one of the wreaths, while our Confederate Battle Flag-hating Governor stands just a few feet away.

A friend described it best..."fighting men respect other fighting men....period".

Yesterday's service, and this photo, are striking reminders of the fact that when left alone and not influenced by the ignorance and hate of meddlesome Yankees, self-loathing scalawags, and pot-stirring carpetbaggers, we, the people of the South, have no trouble showing respect for one another, and honoring our shared history and heritage.

God bless ALL of our Veterans...and God Save the South!

Susan Hathaway

Va Flaggers

Confederate Memorial Chapel Light/Sound Show Vigil - Night 1

Our first night of the candle light vigil/protest of the VMFA's InLight sound/light display at the Confederate Memorial Chapel was, by all accounts, an overwhelming success.

We arrived early to take up position in front of the chapel, and throughout the night, had the opportunity to speak to many representatives of the press.

GREAT coverage here: "Virginia Flaggers Hold Candlelight Vigil at Disrespectful Art Show: http://wric.com/2015/11/13/virginia-flaggers-hold-candlelight-vigil-at-disrespectful-art-show/

Flaggers held candles and photos of Confederate Veterans from the Old Soldiers' Home.

  

There were over three dozen flaggers in attendance throughout the evening, many from out of town, and several first-time flaggers, including this gentleman, who carried this 1861 US flag to symbolically represent Union veteran's opposition to the desecration of a war memorial. After all, he told us, what the VMFA is doing is beyond anti-Confederate, it is un-American.

We had planned carefully for a variety of scenarios that might occur, considering the late hour, 1/2 price alcohol being sold on the grounds, and our experience with some local agitators. While there were a few hateful comments, the majority of attendees were cordial. One of our Flaggers filed the following report, which we believe sums up the evening very well:

"The spectacle we anticipated was not evident. A good number of folks questioned us after going in. They experienced what they experienced, but, learned nothing of the significance of the venue and they learned nothing of the history of it from that experience. They learned all that from us...and it is deeply satisfying to engage wondering people in thoughtful conversation...That was the theme of the night for me. And I have to echo some of the previous comments...I'll never know a better group of folks than you."

The Virginia Flaggers will be back out tonight, for the second night of the Sound/Light show, from 7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m. We invite you to join us, and be a part of those standing for our Veterans...and making sure THEIR voice is heard, in spite of the obvious and ongoing attempt by Museum officials to silence them forever.

Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547

Sandston VA 23150

info@vaflaggers.com

 

Confederate Memorial Chapel Vigil/Protest Update/Call To Action

The VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has chosen to ignore the request of hundreds of citizens to cancel or relocate the disrespectful light and sound "funhouse" show scheduled at the Confederate Memorial Chapel this weekend, and is moving forward with its plans to host the event.

http://wric.com/2015/11/11/va-flaggers-outraged-call-weekend-art-exhibit-at-confederate-memorial-chapel-disrespectful/

http://wtvr.com/2015/11/10/va-flaggers-to-protest-inlight-exhibit-at-confederate-chapel-outside-vmfa/

The Va Flaggers will hold candlelight vigils/protests during the event and invite you to join us as we stand for our Veterans.

Friday, November 13, 7:00 pm - Midnight
Saturday, November 14, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Please feel free to join us for as long or as little as you can attend.  We will have candles and folks designated to help anyone who needs assistance.

Please feel free to email us with any questions.  info@vaflaggers.com

If you have not done so already, please call or email these folks and ask them to change the venue or cancel the event:

Contact information:

Alex Nyerges, VMFA Director/CEO (804) 340-1500, alex.nyerges@vmfa.museum

Bill Royall, President, Board of Trustees, VMFA:  bill@royall.com

Governor Terry McAuliffe, (804)786-2211

Email the Governor here:  https://governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/Communicating-with-the-governors-office

Virginia Flaggers

P.O. Box 547

Sandston VA 23150

info@vaflaggers.com

Our Time Is Now

As Southerners, we are taught (rightly so) that our chief responsibility is to be a good Christian and conduct ourselves as ladies and gentlemen. Somewhere during reconstruction, this was twisted to the point where many take it to mean we are not supposed to cause a “fuss” or do anything that might upset anyone. This kind of thinking has worked well to keep us "in line".

I disagree. Lee and Jackson were no doormats, and next to my Daddy and Billy Graham, two of the most Godly men to walk the earth. My God...and my ancestors… did not give me a spirit of timidity...but one of boldness and unwavering courage.
1 Timothy 1:7

RISE UP SOUTHERNERS…our time is NOW!

Susan Hathaway
Virginia Flaggers

VMFA Announces Plans to Turn Confederate Memorial Chapel lnto a "Trippy Funhouse"

"In this place, I will give thee peace...Thus saith the Lord of Hosts. This Chapel is dedicated to the memory of the Confederate dead."   Inscription above the pulpit, Confederate Memorial Chapel, Richmond, VA.

 

 Most of you are aware that the Va Flaggers were organized following the forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the Confederate Memorial Chapel by officials of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).  The Confederate Memorial Chapel is one of two buildings that remain from the RE LEE Camp #1 Old Soldiers Home, which served homeless and destitute Confederate Veterans.  The Veterans themselves donated the land for the art museum, with the promise from the Commonwealth that the remainder of the grounds would be set aside as Confederate Memorial Park for perpetuity.   

Years (and hundreds of broken promises) later, the VMFA, with a wink and a nod from the Governor's office, has stolen the land that was designated for a memorial park to build a parking deck, ripped the flags off of the Confederate Memorial Chapel, kicked the Sons of Confederate Veterans out of the Chapel so that they could offer their own interpretation of OUR history, and actively worked to silence those who dared to speak out against their disgraceful actions. 

If there was any question as to how the VMFA and the Commonwealth were going to interpret our history moving forward, the answer has come swiftly, and painfully:

Confederate Chapel to Get Trippy Makeover During InLight

NEXT weekend, November 13^th and 14^th, artists will probe the socio-political significance of the CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL CHAPEL, by turning the memorial into a trippy funhouse.. Yes, you read that correctly, ¦a TRIPPY FUNHOUSE.

In case you think we are exaggerating, or making this up...please read for yourself here:  http://www.styleweekly.com/Studi/archives/2015/11/01/confederate-chapel-to-get-trippy-makeover-during-inlight

The sacred Chapel, where Veterans who had answered the Commonwealth's call to defend her and were left PENNILESS and ALONE in their old age, sat each week to worship, and gathered to say final farewells to their compatriots as one by one the men passed from this life onto the next, until the last Veteran died in 1949 ... is going to be turned into a FUNHOUSE of lights and sound at the hands of the VMFA, and under the leadership of the Governor'soffice.

As far as we are concerned, allowing this kind of desecration of this consecrated memorial is intentional and no different than if VMFA officials or the Governor of Virginia walked out to Hollywood Cemetery and urinated on the graves of our Confederate dead.

We can't help but ask: are you mad enough YET? 

The Virginia Flaggers plan on attending/protesting the Trippy Dippy Light Show.  We will have a candlelight vigil/flagging at the Chapel, with photos of the Veterans who lived and died on the grounds of the Old Soldiers' home.  We hope hundreds will join us, Friday, November 13^th, 7:00 p.m. -  Midnight, and Saturday, November 14^th, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  Come when you can, stay for as long as you can, and be a part of those taking a stand against what we feel is a direct and intentional slap in the face of the thousands of us whose ancestors served the Confederacy. 

We are also asking everyone to contact the VMFA and the Governor and tell them how upset you are that they dare to desecrate a Confederate Memorial Chapel in this manner.and ask them to cancel this show IMMEDIATELY and preserve the honor and dignity of the Confederate Memorial Chapel.

Contact information:

Alex Nyerges, VMFA Director/CEO (804) 340-1500, alex.nyerges@vmfa.museum

Governor Terry McAuliffe, (804)786-2211 Email the Governor here: https://governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/Communicating-with-the-governors-office

In the meantime, we will continue our twice weekly flagging of the VMFA, THIS SATURDAY, November 5^th, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Join us on the Boulevard as we protest the removal of the Confederate Battle Flags, forward the colors in memory and honor of the Confederate Veterans who lived and died on the grounds of the Old Soldiers' Home, and change hearts and minds in the Capital of the Confederacy.

Grayson Jennings

Va Flaggers

Hoax "Anonymous" Hate List Makes False Accusations

We received word late last night that my name… and the names of several other Virginia Flaggers… were included on a list of names that is being circulated as a “confirmed” list of KKK members, revealed by the internet group “Anonymous”.

The list also includes members of the Va Division, SCV, and two past Commanders in Chief, among others.

It is obvious to anyone of reasonable intelligence that this list is NOT anything that the “real” Anonymous would have released. The personal information is nothing more than that which any citizen can find in a simple google search, is riddled with sophomoric errors, and the links cited all refer back to the hate bloggers who have nothing of substance to offer.

There is absolutely NO proof offered that any of the people on the list have any connection to the Klan, in any way, shape, or form.

I can also speak for myself to say that I have never been a member of any such organization, never known anyone who was, and have never even heard of anyone who has. Anyone who knows me knows full well how laughable this accusation truly is, but I have no desire to parade my personal life on display in an attempt to prove anything to these people. I am comfortable letting my words, deeds, and actions speak for me, and have little concern for the ignorant assumptions and opinions of people so wholly unconnected to me or mine.

What is also obvious is that this list is a cruel and vicious hoax. By publishing the personal information of the most vocal and outspoken Southern Heritage activists, and labeling them as “KKK members”, these people have incited some of the most sadistic and hateful attacks and threats that we have ever witnessed. They even went so far as to publish the names of my children. All of this with one purpose in mind… to intimidate and silence those who have the unmitigated gall to disagree with their version of “truth”, and who are unwilling to go away quietly.

We are working with local, state and federal authorities to track down the source of this defamation, and to investigate the threats that have been received as a result of this false post.

Please reference this link, which clearly proves the fraudulent nature of this “list”… http://pastebin.com/it6a2r4g

This latest assault serves, once again, to accentuate the clear and very real differences between those of us who have decided to take a public stand for our Confederate Ancestors, and those who are clearly threatened by our very existence. 

My response can be best summed up in one of my favorite Jane Austen quotes:

"My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me."

Susan Hathaway

Virginia Flaggers