Va Flaggers Update: Charlottesville Braces for a Confederate Flag/Smoke & Mirrors Continues at W&L

"News" report on proposed Memorial Battle Flag in Charlottesville

http://www.c-ville.com/red-flag-group-plans-hoist-confederate-flag/#.VR0_1uHYo4O

"City Councilor Kristin Szakos, who has suggested it might be time to get rid of statues of Lee and Jackson in downtown parks, said she finds it "petty" that the Flaggers want to put up a flagpole here "because they're not from Charlottesville. Why they care, I don't know."

Because WE (the Va Flaggers) are not "from Charlottesville"????...says the woman who is FROM....Long Island, NEW YORK.

Meanwhile, back in Lexington, we wanted to share this photo of the new I-81 flag majestic in splendor in our Shenandoah Valley with the Blue Ridge as a backdrop!

...and this video of the flag on the day of the raising, with photography from Judy Smith Photography and Tredegar DroneWorks.  Absolutely breathtaking...! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfToh0yB3mU&feature=youtu.be

...and a few photos from the ceremony, with special thanks to the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Herman White, who came from North Carolina to join us and speak to those gathered. 

 

When we arrived, skies were gray, temperatures were in the 30's and, snow actually began to fall just as we started the dedication.  However, just a few minutes after the flag was raised, the snow stopped, the clouds moved out, and bright sunshine filled the sky, allowing us the opportunity to take the wonderful photographs we have shared with you.

 

Thanks to all who gathered to attend the ceremony, and to each of the hundreds of supporters who made it possible.

Never passing up an opportunity to forward the colors in Lexington, the Va Flaggers headed to Washington & Lee University after raising the I-81 Battle Flag.

Although the weather was cold and blustery, foot traffic was brisk, and we had many opportunities to talk with students, alumni, and parents.

A perfect ending to a GLORIOUS and very Confederate day in Lexington.

More smoke and mirrors out of Washington & Lee University: 

http://www.roanoke.com/news/virginia/lee-chapel-to-reopen-next-week-at-w-l/article_0327e865-df3d-5581-a996-0d18bb510b9f.html

In the article,

"The flag display is in keeping with actions taken by W&L last year after a group of law students complained that such tributes to the Confederacy were offensive to minority students. At the time, university President Kenneth Ruscio said replica flags in the building were being removed because they were not presented in an educational matter.

But Ruscio's announcement left room for displays of genuinely historic flags such as the one to be included in the "Lee in the Field" exhibit. For years, that flag was one of the originals that hung near the "Recumbent Lee" statue in the chapel.

Other battle flags, particularly those with historic connections to W&L and the Lexington area, are planned for future exhibits."

Once again, W&L would have the public, students, and alumni believe that the decision to forcibly remove the replica ANV Battle Flags from the LEE Chapel mausoleum was somehow related to the project to restore and display the original battle flags and that President Ruscio was involved in that project.  This is blatantly FALSE.

The restoration project was part of an agreement between the UDC, The Museum formerly known as the Museum of the Confederacy, and the University. We have been able to secure a copy of this agreement, and while it does call for the removal of the original battle flags for restoration, and for the flags to be properly displayed in glass cases in the museum in the basement of the Chapel, it in NO WAY dictates that the reproduction flags, provided by the SCV as a replacement for the originals, must be removed from the Chapel.

The referenced agreement was made in 1997, long before Mr. Ruscio became President of the University, and yet they expect us to believe that it just so happens that they decided to take the reproduction flags out of the Chapel in July of 2014, as part of a new agreement with the Museum formerly known as the Museum of the Confederacy, not to appease "The Committee".  Do not be fooled by this nonsense.  The authentic flags were removed for restoration and proper display, as they should have been, and special replica flags were made to be displayed in their place. 

The replica flags were removed in July of 2014 for ONE REASON...to appease the demands of SIX agitators from the W&L Law School.

Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers

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

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 

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

Centennial Plaza, Richmond, Virginia 1961

"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 

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

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