Jefferson Davis Memorial Service

This past Saturday, we took a short drive down to Ft. Monroe to attend the Jefferson Davis Memorial Service, held in the Casemate room in which he was imprisoned after the War. The ceremony was held by the Magruder-Ewell Camp #99, and Commander Ken Wood and his men did a wonderful job in conducting a moving and meaningful service.

 

I was honored to be asked to light the memorial candle, and felt humbled to perform the duty in the very room where our President languished so long, unlawfully and unjustly kept shackled and confined under lock and key.

It was my first visit to Ft. Monroe, so we took some time to explore the grounds.

 

After the ceremony, we were pleased to witness the swearing in of officers for the 13th Virginia mechanized cavalry, Camp #9, Sons of Confederate Veterans, who were gracious enough to invite us to lunch with them. It was a pleasure to meet many new friends! Many thanks to Jeff Barbour for his gracious hospitality, and to Ken Wood and the Magruder-Ewell Camp#99 for the warm welcome and all of their hard work! :)

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/susan.f.hathaway.7/media_set?set=a.10152129973749274.1073741851.698334273&type=3


Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Contributions to the I-95 Memorial Battle Flag projects may be mailed to:
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

Payable to Va Flaggers

or through PayPal:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html

Sharpsburg Memorial Illumination

On Saturday, December 7th, several Va Flaggers traveled to Sharpsburg, MD for the 25th Annual Sharpsburg Memorial Illumination.

http://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/luminary.htm

Every year, hundreds gather to honor each of the 23,110 soldiers killed, wounded, or captured during the Battle of Sharpsburg.  A candle is set and lit for each one.  As the sun sets, the sight is one that is hard to describe...and offers a glimpse of the magnitude of the sacrifice of the men who fought there.

It was our second year attending, and as was the case last year, we were invited by a local Boy Scout Troop to assist the hundreds of volunteers who set up and light the 23,110 candles, and wanted to ensure a Confederate representation during the event. 

With the temperature hovering around 30 degrees and a stiff wind, lighting the candles was a challenge, to be sure.

We took stick CBF flags to pass out and as soon as we passed out the first one, we were bombarded by requests and quickly gave out the first 2 dozen that we had with us.

When it came time for the ceremony, which is attended by the volunteers just before dusk, we went back to our vehicle and got our full sized flags to carry, and another 3 dozen stick flags.  As we approached the gathering, several people stopped to greet us and thank us for forwarding the colors.  One man came up to us and shook our hand as we arrived and said "thank goodness SOMEONE brought the OTHER American flag".  It turns out the gentleman was a member of the SCV.  He and his wife had traveled from Oklahoma to attend the event and he stood with us, holding two stick flags for the duration of the ceremony.

We passed out the rest of the stick flags... and seeing all of those Battle Flags waving in the crowd, a large number of whom were young Boy Scout volunteers, was a beautiful sight to behold!

We were pleased to learn that the featured speaker was none other than Jeff Shaara, the author of Gods and Generals!  One of the volunteer speakers recognized our flags in his remarks, as a representation of the 10,316 Confederate casualties. 

After the ceremony, we posed for a few photos and made our way back to our vehicle, to make the tour of the candlelit battle field.  One cannot help but be moved to tears at the sight...and the thought of the life that each candle represented...and the honor and sacrifice that we must NEVER forget.

Many thanks to the folks who work so hard to make this event possible.  Without exception, everyone, including NPS employees, welcomed us, and our flags warmly and there seemed to be a respectful understanding of the fact that Confederate soldiers deserve and should be afforded the same honor and reverence shown to their Union counterparts. 

LEST WE FORGET!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Va Flaggers Upcoming Events:

Friday, January 17th - Saturday, January 18th, 2014:  Lee-Jackson State Holiday/Flagging/Memorial Events, Lexington, Va.  The Va Flaggers will be flagging Lexington all day Friday, for the Lee-Jackson State Holiday, and participating in the Memorial Services and parade on Saturday, with more flagging Saturday afternoon.  We invite all to join us!  More details soon.  Info from the Stonewall Brigade here:   http://leejacksonday.webs.com/

Saturday, February 1st, 2014:  Susan will travel to Statesboro, GA to speak at the Lee-Jackson Banquet, held by the Ogeechee Rifles, Camp #941, SCV.  RJ's Restaurant, 454 South Main St. (US 301 S.) @ 6 pm for the meal, preliminaries @ 7 pm and the program immediately following.  Seating limited to 125.  Ticket information forthcoming at a later date.

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014:  Susan will be speaking at the February meeting of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy Camp #2141, SCV, Fredericksburg, VA.  4:00 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, 10 Simpson Rd.

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014:  Susan will be speaking at the March meeting of the R.E Lee Camp #1589, SCV.   Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, 2401 Colony Crossing Place, Midlothian, VA 23112. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 20th, 2014:  Susan will be traveling to Columbia, SC to speak at the March meeting of the Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton Camp #273, SCV, Columbia SC. Seawell’s Banquet Hall, 1125 Rosewood DR. Dinner at 6:00, Meeting at 7:00.

April 19, 2014, 2014:  Susan will be traveling to Quincy, FL to speak at the Confederate Memorial Day Service at the Soldier's Cemetery, sponsored by the Finley's Brigade, SCV.
 
Saturday, April 26th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the Delaware Confederate Memorial Ceremony, Marvel Carriage Museum, 510 South Bedford Street, Georgetown, Delaware, Time: 11AM - 2PM 
  
Contributions to the I-95 Memorial Battle Flag projects may be mailed to:

Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

Payable to Va Flaggers
or through PayPal:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html

Hollywood Cemetery Spruce Up

On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Virginia Flaggers gathered at Hollywood Cemetery for an afternoon of cleanup.

On the eve of the I-95 Chester Memorial Battle Flag Raising, we met one of our out of town guests at the NW corner of the Soldiers’ Section to try and locate his ancestor’s grave. He was disappointed to find that it appeared to have been located in some overgrowth of hedge and vegetation. After obtaining permission and the blessing of the folks at the cemetery, we decided to see what we could do to help clean it up.





The section we were working in is the “Old Soldiers Section (west), and has special to meaning to the Va Flaggers, as it is the location of burial for many of the residents of the Old Soldiers’ Home on the Boulevard. This section was one of the first used for burials of Veterans from the home. After two years of standing for these men on the Boulevard, even those of us without a direct ancestral connection have come to feel a special connection to them.

We cut the overgrowth and pulled it to the street for pick up . We also replaced several stick flags, and had some really good conversation with cemetery visitors. By mid-afternoon we had completed phase 1 and notified the office. They were very happy with what we had accomplished.

There is still more work to be done and we will plan another work day soon. Many thanks to all who came out and volunteered! Stay tuned for the next scheduled work day…

The Virginia Flaggers

Va Flaggers Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, December 10th:
Noon - 3:00 pm: Flagging the Museum of the Confederacy, 1201 East Clay St.
3:00 p.m. - Dusk: Flagging the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard

Saturday, December 14th:
9:00 a.m. - Noon: Flagging the Museum of the Confederacy, 1201 East Clay St.
Noon - 4:00 p.m.: Flagging the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard

Friday, January 17th - Saturday, January 18th, 2014: Lee-Jackson State Holiday/Flagging/Memorial Events, Lexington, Va. The Va Flaggers will be flagging Lexington all day Friday, for the Lee-Jackson State Holiday, and participating in the Memorial Services and parade on Saturday, with more flagging Saturday afternoon. We invite all to join us! More details soon. Info from the Stonewall Brigade here: http://leejacksonday.webs.com/

Saturday, February 1st, 2014: Susan will travel to Statesboro, GA to speak at the Lee-Jackson Banquet, held by the Ogeechee Rifles, Camp #941, SCV. RJ's Restaurant, 454 South Main St. (US 301 S.) @ 6 pm for the meal, preliminaries @ 7 pm and the program immediately following. Seating limited to 125. Ticket information forthcoming at a later date.

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the February meeting of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy Camp #2141, SCV, Fredericksburg, VA. 4:00 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, 10 Simpson Rd.

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the March meeting of the R.E Lee Camp #1589, SCV. Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, 2401 Colony Crossing Place, Midlothian, VA 23112. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 20th, 2014: Susan will be traveling to Columbia, SC to speak at the March meeting of the Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton Camp #273, SCV, Columbia SC. Seawell’s Banquet Hall, 1125 Rosewood DR. Dinner at 6:00, Meeting at 7:00.

April 19, 2014, 2014: Susan will be traveling to Quincy, FL to speak at the Confederate Memorial Day Service at the Soldier's Cemetery, sponsored by the Finley's Brigade, SCV.

Saturday, April 26th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the Delaware Confederate Memorial Ceremony, Marvel Carriage Museum, 510 South Bedford Street, Georgetown, Delaware, Time: 11AM - 2PM

 
Contributions to the I-95 Memorial Battle Flag projects may be mailed to:
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

Payable to Va Flaggers

or through PayPal:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html
 

Mechanicsville Christmas Parade Canceled

"Due to the upcoming weather forecast for Sunday and our huge concern for the safety of all our participants and the overall public, we regret, that we will have to cancel this year's Mechanicsville Rotary/Ruritan Christmas Parade. There is no rain date and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Mechanicsville Rotary

December Updates

Museum of the Confederacy:
As we reported in November, MOC President Waite Rawls (after denying the rumors for months) recently announced the "merger" or "collaboration" of the Museum of the Confederacy with the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. The museum building will be sold to VCU to pay off massive debt, and the artifacts, collected and preserved by the wives and daughters of Confederate Veterans, will be hauled off to Tredegar.

For those of you who have not visited Tredegar, allow us to remind you that it is the site of the Lincoln statue in Richmond...

 Rawls posed for this photo with Christy Coleman, Director at Tredegar, to publicize their new venture....

While certainly not surprised at this latest move, considering the PC direction the Museum of the Confederacy has been heading since Rawls took the reigns, we wonder if those who have continued to support him will still do so, considering Ms. Coleman's (public) statement that honoring one's Confederate heritage is "foolishness". Listen here as she answers the question "Should We Still Associate Racism with Confederate Heritage?"

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/clip/4091984

On Saturday, the Virginia Flaggers once again posted the colors at the Museum's Richmond location. We were able to talk to visitors and give them information about the sale of the Museum and the imminent danger of losing our sacred artifacts to those who have no interest in honoring our Confederate heritage. Our presence continues to remind museum leadership that while they may, EVEN NOW, retain the support of the pc crowd, and yes, even some in our heritage organizations, there are MANY of us who are outraged by this liquidation of the museum and will make sure they are reminded of it as often as possible.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:
Later that day, over a dozen Flaggers gathered at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, continuing our efforts to restore the confederate Battle Flags to the Confederate Memorial Chapel. It was a brisk day, but clear, and several good conversations were held with folks wanting to know about the Chapel and why we forward the colors.

It is hard for them to understand why the VMFA forced the removal of two small flags, which flew from the portico 5 days a week, for 4 hours a day, to be replaced by scenes like this...

...several times a week. More flags, for more hours...in a much more visible location. Our numbers are growing each week, as we welcome more and more folks ready to stand in defense of their ancestors and for the men of the Old Soldier's Home!  
 

More photos here... https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.291366044322021.1073741985.186485551476738&type=1

The Virginia Flaggers will be back out tomorrow, Thursday, December 5th...at the Museum of the Confederacy from Noon - 3:00 p.m., and at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from 3:00 p.m. - dusk.

JOIN us, and be a part of those taking a stand for our Confederate Veterans and the flags they fought and died beneath.

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

Tommy Clinger
Virginia Flaggers

Va Flaggers UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Thursday, December 5th:
Noon - 3:00 p.m. - Flagging the Museum of the Confederacy, 1201 E. Clay Street
3:00 p.m. - Dusk - Flagging the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard

Sunday, December 8th: 3:00 p.m. - Mechanicsville Christmas Parade, Downtown Mechanicsville, VA - The Va Flaggers are participating in the parade and invite everyone to join us.  We will have Flaggers walking, riding, and the Mechanized Cavalry is joining us again this year!  Bring your flag and enjoy the afternoon in a VERY Confederate friendly environment.  :)

Friday, January 18th - Saturday, January 19th, 2014:  Lee-Jackson State Holiday/Flagging/Memorial Events, Lexington, Va

Saturday, February 1st, 2014:  Susan will travel to Statesboro, GA to speak at the Lee-Jackson Banquet, held by the Ogeechee Rifles, Camp #941, SCV.  RJ's Restaurant, 454 South Main St. (US 301 S.) @ 6 pm for the meal, preliminaries @ 7 pm and the program immediately following.  Seating limited to 125.  Ticket information forthcoming at a later date.

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014:  Susan will be speaking at the February meeting of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy Camp #2141, SCV, Fredericksburg, VA.  4:00 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, 10 Simpson Rd.

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014:  Susan will be speaking at the March meeting of the R.E Lee Camp #1589, SCV.   Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, 2401 Colony Crossing Place, Midlothian, VA 23112. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m.

April 19, 2014, 2014:  Susan will be traveling to Quincy, FL to speak at the Confederate Memorial Day Service at the Soldier's Cemetery, sponsored by the Finley's Brigade, SCV.

Saturday, April 26th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the Delaware Confederate Memorial Ceremony, Marvel Carriage Museum, 510 South Bedford Street, Georgetown, Delaware, Time: 11AM - 2PM

Contributions to the I-95 Memorial Battle Flag projects may be mailed to:
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
Payable to Va Flaggers
or through PayPal:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html

I-95 Battle Flag Memorial Project Honors Indiana Resident's Confederate Ancestors

We love to hear about the connections that these Memorial flags have to Confederate soldiers and their descendants, all across the U.S...

Letter received from an I-95Memorial Battle Flag Projects Supporter:

"Va Flaggers,
I wanted to say thank you for all you do and let you know that I am grateful that you are standing firm in honoring our Confederate Ancestors. Even though I live here in Indiana, my heart and spirit are with you and the cause to bring the Southern Cross back to the Pelham Chapel. My Great-Grandfather came to Indiana from Rome, Georgia in 1904, and I have found over twenty ancestors who fought in the war for Southern Independence. I'm sending you a donation for the I-95 flag in their memory...
Edwin Morrison 4X Great-Grandfather, 4th Reg. Georgia Cavalry, Co. C
Edwin Hanson, 3X Great-Grandfather, 40th Georgia Infantry, Co. C
Napolean B. Landers, 3X Great Grandfather, 36th Georgia Infantry,Co K
Elisha Casey, 3X Grand Grandfather, 9th Bat. Georgia Artillery,Co A, E
William J. Shiflet, 3X Great Grand Uncle, 38th Georgia Infantry, Co F
Eli Pinson Landers, 3X Great Grand Uncle, 16th Georgia Infantry, Co H

Deo Vindice
Kevin S."



Contributions to the I-95 Battle Flag project may be mailed to
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

Payable to Va Flaggers

or through PayPal:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html

  
Flag of  The 12th Georgia:
"Part of Brig. Gen. Isaac Trimble's brigade, the 12th Georgia advanced over the rock-strewn battlefield down towards the Confederate left. Trimble's Brigade was to extend the Confederate left late on the evening of August 28, 1862. Despite making several charges, Trimble's Brigade was unable to break the tough Union line that faced them on the Brawner Farm. This battle flag flew with the 12th Georgia at Second Manassas. A distinctive tribute to the color bearers who were killed carrying the flag at the Battle of Sharpsburg was added later."*

*"The Flags of Second Manassas" - The Civil War Trust -
 http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/secondmanassas/second-manassas-history-articles/the-flags-of-second-manassas.html

Excavator Recovered!

We are THRILLED to report that the excavator stolen from the Chester I-95 Memorial Battle Flag site WAS RECOVERED this weekend! We received a call from the Brunswick County Sherriff's Office on Saturday that it had been found, and after a bit of paperwork, it was picked up today! A few more dents and dings than before it disappeared, but she is in working order, and was back at the site... and back in action, by this afternoon! :)

Investigators have identified several suspects, and once an arrest is made we will be able to share more of what we learned about the theft.

 ************************

Virginia Flaggers Call To Action:

Clean-up at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Gettysburg section, TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 3rd, 1:00 p.m. Bring rakes, clippers, gloves and any other garden tools you have and join us as we work to reclaim some graves from the hedges and woods. All are welcome to join us!

************************ 

 Mechanicsville Rotary/Ruritan Christmas Parade Update!

We have received our lineup information and will be in Division 2. This means that we will need to be at our staging area between 1:00 p.m and 1:30 p.m., earlier than last year. Parking is available at the Mechanicsville Recreation Center (1054 Elm Dr, Mechanicsville, VA 23111). This is where the parade will end and is the best place to leave your vehicle. If you want a ride to the staging area, meet us in the parking lot no later than 12:30 p.m. Otherwise, you may be dropped off at the staging area, or walk from the parking lot, between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m.

Staging area map (We are division 2): http://www.mechanicsvillerotary.org/Assets/2013parade/2013paradestaging/2013%20staging%20area%27s.pdf
 
Details and staging times: http://www.mechanicsvillerotary.org/Assets/2013parade/2013paradestaging/2013%20staging%20times.pdf
 
We welcome EVERYONE who wants to join us. We will have a group marching, and a trailer available for those who would like to ride! Please bring a bag of candy if you are able, and, of course...a Confederate flag to carry! The Mechanized Cavalry is also joining for this event and we hope YOU will, too!

Afterwards, we will gather at Roma's new Mechanicsville location...7420 Bell Creek Rd. (near Marshall's) for supper and fellowship.

Please let us know if you plan to attend, and contact us at info@vaflaggers.com if you have any questions!

   ************************ 

Monday, November 11th, the Virginia Flaggers attended the Veteran's Day Memorial Candlelight Service at Huguenot Springs Confederate Cemetery, held by the J.E.B. Stuart Camp # 1343, SCV. Paying our respects to the Confederate soldiers buried there, we placed a wreath and participated in this very meaningful and moving service.

 

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.287193674739258.1073741971.186485551476738&type=3
 

The next evening, we attended the November meeting of the Capt. Willliam Latane Camp #1690, where Va Flagger John Henry Taylor was the featured speaker. We presented the William Latane Color Guard with a framed photo from the I-95 Chester Memorial Battle Flag Raising as an expression of our appreciation of their outstanding support.

 

That weekend, the Va Flaggers had a booth at the Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show. Our first such event, we were absolutely thrilled with the results of the show! We signed up many, many new folks to our contact list, received numerous donations towards the I-95 Memorial Battle Flag projects, and were able to speak with lots of folks who wanted to learn more about the Va Flaggers and how they can become involved in heritage defense.
 
More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.288468564611769.1073741978.186485551476738&type=3
 
Many, many thanks to all who helped make these events a success!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Va Flaggers UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Sunday, December 8th: 3:00 p.m. - Mechanicsville Christmas Parade, Downtown Mechanicsville, VA - The Va Flaggers are participating in the parade and invite everyone to join us. We will have Flaggers walking, riding, and the Mechanized Cavalry is joining us again this year! Bring your flag and enjoy the afternoon in a VERY Confederate friendly environment. :)

Friday, January 18th - Saturday, January 19th, 2014: Lee-Jackson State Holiday/Flagging/Memorial Events, Lexington, Va

Saturday, February 1st, 2014: Susan will travel to Statesboro, GA to speak at the Lee-Jackson Banquet, held by the Ogeechee Rifles, Camp #941, SCV. RJ's Restaurant, 454 South Main St. (US 301 S.) @ 6 pm for the meal, preliminaries @ 7 pm and the program immediately following. Seating limited to 125. Ticket information forthcoming at a later date.

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the February meeting of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy Camp #2141, SCV, Fredericksburg, VA. 4:00 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, 10 Simpson Rd.

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the March meeting of the R.E Lee Camp #1589, SCV. Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, 2401 Colony Crossing Place, Midlothian, VA 23112. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m.

April 19, 2014, 2014: Susan will be traveling to Quincy, FL to speak at the Confederate Memorial Day Service at the Soldier's Cemetery, sponsored by the Finley's Brigade, SCV.

Saturday, April 26th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the Delaware Confederate Memorial Ceremony, Marvel Carriage Museum, 510 South Bedford Street, Georgetown, Delaware, Time: 11AM - 2PM

Contributions to the I-95 Memorial Battle Flag projects may be mailed to:

Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
Payable to Va Flaggers
or through PayPal:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html