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

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:

http://atrueconfederate.blogspot.com/2015/03/not-so-silent-ii.html

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
 
Follow our blog: http://vaflaggers.blogspot.com/
Find us on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Virginia-Flaggers/378823865585630

Ancient Relics and Statues Destroyed in Mosul...Sound Familiar?

This is heartbreaking, and difficult to watch...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2970270/Islamic-State-fighters-destroy-antiquities-Iraq-video.html

"Islamic State thugs have destroyed a collection of priceless statues and sculptures in Iraq dating back thousands of years.

Extremists used sledgehammers and power drills to smash ancient artwork as they rampaged through a museum in the northern city of Mosul.

Video footage shows a group of bearded men in the Nineveh Museum using tools to wreck 3,000-year-old statues after pushing them over."

How utterly disgraceful and disrespectful to destroy the culture, heritage, and history of a people because of hate and ignorance.

Sound familiar? How frightening is it that there are people in the United States who would like to see the same thing happen to our Confederate memorials, monuments, and artifacts? It's already happening here, and will continue, if we don't start standing up and defending our heritage!

"The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here."  Matthew 12:41
  Susan Hathaway Va Flaggers

P.O. Box 547

Sandston VA 23150

info@vaflaggers.com

Rescuing General Stuart

General James Ewell Brown Stuart is once again in danger! Though he is no longer prey to the mortality of the flesh, his monument in Richmond is in serious danger of being rendered hors d'combat due to the passage of time and frailty of every man-made monument in Richmond is in serious danger of being rendered hors d'combat due to the passage of time and frailty of every man-made substance no matter how "permanent".

THE STUART-MOSBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY is sponsoring a fund-raising effort to keep General JEB in the saddle for many years to come. For a cost of $35,000, craftsmen will return the General to full health and continued existence. It is hoped to have the funds raised by June so that the work can be done during the summer. All monies collected above and beyond the cost of restoration will be placed in a trust fund for future maintenance.

To help in this most worthy cause, please make out your check to: The Stuart Mosby Historical Society and mark for the "Monument Restoration Fund." Please send your tax-deductible donation to:

The Stuart-Mosby Historical Society
5405 Midship Court
Burke, VA 22015

Photo: JEB Stuart Monument, Monument Ave, Virginia, February 8, 2015, Virginia Flaggers

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers


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

VMFA Update...Thank you Alex Nyerges!

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond controls the historic Confederate Memorial Chapel on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.

The property dates from the 1883 sale of a house and 36 acres to R.E. Lee Camp No. 1, Confederate Veterans, for a Confederate soldiers' camp, or home.

Donors to the home included Union veterans from Lynn, Mass., who gave the chapel organ. The chapel, which features stained-glass windows and hand-hewn pews, was dedicated to Confederate war dead in 1887.

The "Robinson House" and the chapel are all that remain of the camp, which operated from 1885 to 1941. After the last veterans died the property was deeded to the commonwealth.

By Executive Order 35 in 1991, the VMFA acts as the governor's agent in leasing the chapel to the SCV.

At its March 31, 2010, meeting the VMFA Board of Trustees' Executive Committee unanimously passed two motions concerning the Confederate Memorial Chapel on the grounds of the Old Soldiers' Home in Richmond: First, the museum would not renew the existing lease as written. Second, the museum "is opposed to flying the Confederate Battle Flag or any of its derivatives on the Museum property."

The new lease called for the removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico of the Chapel. The flags were removed in June 1, 2010. In the fall of 2011, concerned citizens began protesting the desecration of the Chapel and the dishonoring of Confederate Veterans, by gathering on the sidewalk in front of the VMFA, carrying Confederate flags.

Coming together to stand against the VMFA, the Virginia Flaggers were born...

As we rang in 2015, the Virginia Flaggers began our 168th week of flagging the VMFA.

Although frigid temperatures arrived in the Capital of the Confederacy, we maintained our vigil, with over 2 dozen Flaggers who joined us over the month, logging over 190 hours on the sidewalk in front of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts...

1-1-15 New Year's Day Flagging! Beautiful day and great conversations on the Boulevard. Lots of residents and tourists out and about and a fabulous day for Flagging the VMFA!

1/3/2015- Chilly temps, light traffic. Flaggers standing tall!

1-8-2015 FRIGID temps, 29 degrees. Foot traffic very light, but Confederate flags present and visible for auto traffic and museum officials and visitors. GOD BLESS THE FLAGGERS!

1-10-2015 The cavalry arrived (Army of Northern Va, Mechanized, that is)!  Chilly but sunny on the Boulevard in Richmond and the flags of our ancestors flew proudly. 1/2 dozen Flaggers are forwarded the colors to protest the forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel and changing hearts and minds in the Capital of the Confederacy.

1-13-2015 Overcast and 38 degrees in the Capital of the Confederacy. A half dozen Flaggers made their way to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) to protest the forced removal of Confederate Flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel, including a guest Flagger all the way from ALABAMA! Mid-South Flagger Shannon F flew in for a FLAGcation, spent a few days visiting Confederate sites around Richmond, and spent the afternoon standing with us, for his Confederate ancestors, and against museum officials who have dishonored their memory and desecrated the Confederate Memorial Chapel.  God bless the boys from Alabama! "Audemus jura nostra defendere!"

1-17-2015 While many of us were in Lexington for the Lee-Jackson weekend, these devoted Flaggers MADE SURE there was a presence at the VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and forwarded the colors on a sunny, but chilly afternoon... Standing for Confederate Veterans, and changing hearts and minds!

1-21-2015 Cold, cloudy, and mixed precipitation in the Capital of the Confederacy, yet Flaggers gathered on the Boulevard and forwarded the colors to protest the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).

1-24-2015 Light rain and 41 chilly degrees meant little foot traffic, but steadfast Flaggers made their stand at the VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

01-29-2015 Thursday evening flagging. 44 degrees and overcast. Almost a DOZEN Flaggers and clear weather meant plenty of Flaggers to cover the line AND an opportunity to change hearts and minds in the Capital of the Confederacy. — at VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

1-31-2015 Sunny, but chilly day on the Boulevard. Convos were few, but flags were plentiful. Thank you, Flaggers!

Ready to stand with us? Join us... we will be Flagging WEDNESDAY 2-6, and SATURDAY 1-5 THIS WEEK.

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!
Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers

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

Follow our blog:
http://vaflaggers.blogspot.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Virginia-Flaggers/378823865585630

Complaint About SCV Sign in NC Leads To Battle Flag Installation

Some of you may recall the news story a few weeks ago, about the SCV Roadside sign that was removed in North Carolina once it was found to be in the DOT Right of Way...

http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2015/01/nc-scv-group-agrees-to-remove-sign-3097884.html

All I have to say is, to whoever raised a stink about it... THANK YOU...not only has the sign been re-installed...there is now a Battle Flag flying, too!

From Billy Starnes, Major Charles Q. Petty Camp #872:  "The sign is now out of the DOT right of way. Although a little farther off the road, we decided to add a 52' x 52" Battle Flag so it is now more eye catching than ever."

HUZZAH!  God bless the men of the Old North State!


Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Saluting General James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart, CSA, On the Anniversary of His Birth

On this day in 1833, James Ewell Brown Stuart was born in Patrick County, Virginia.

"Among the gallant soldiers who have fallen in this war, General Stuart was second to none in valor, in zeal, and in unflinching devotion to his country. His achievements form a conspicuous part of the history of this army, with wich his name and services will forever be associated. To military capacity of a high order and to the noble virtues of the soldier he added the brighter graces of a pure life, guided and sustained by the Christian's faith and hope. The mysterious hand of an all-wise God has removed him from the scene of his usefulness and fame. His grateful countrymen will mourn his loss and cherish his memory. To his comrades in arms he has left the proud recollections of his deeds and the inspiring influence of his example."

- Robert E Lee

 

God bless General Stuart, and all the brave men who wore the gray!