Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Va Flaggers VMFA Update 2-11-2014

February has kicked off in a big way for the Va Flaggers and our campaign to return the Confederate Battle Flags to the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel.  At the same time that we have made significant headway in our preparations for pending litigation, our presence on the sidewalk on the Boulevard has not only held steady despite the chilly weather, but our numbers continue to grow, reminding museum officials, visitors, and Richmond residents that we will not forget the honor and sacrifice of the men who lived an died on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.

Saturday, February 1st was a pleasantly warm day, with temperatures reaching the mid 50's.  8 Flaggers saw heavy foot and auto traffic, including this man and his daughter (left photo) tourists from Great Britain, who told the Flaggers that he was shocked that the flags had been removed and that there is much respect for the Confederacy abroad.  He asked to pose with the flag.  Throughout the day, there were many opportunities to educate folks and change hearts and minds in the Capital of the Confederacy.



 A report from one of our Flaggers details another experience of the day... "Oh my Goodness, these 2 guys were Amazing, both18, the one on the right from Connecticut the other from a local High School.  Both on their school newspapers and good friends.  They heard about us and wanted to write about us, so Barry had one and I had the other and we told them why we were here and, as we talked, believe it or not they knew all about the true History of the South as much as we did.  These two restored my faith in our youth!  What a pleasure it was to talk to these two. We gave them "ammo" and literature, and I gave them each a CD of pastor John Weaver... what a day we are having! :)" - Flagger Jimmy C.


More photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.305995586192400.1073742014.186485551476738&type=1

CELEBRITY NIGHT ON THE BOULEVARD!  Thursday, February 6th, was a HUGE night for the Flaggers. Although it started a little slow, with temperatures below 40 degrees and light foot traffic, by the end of the night 12 Flaggers were forwarding the colors, stretching the line up to the front door of the museum

Our new Governor got an eyeful of flags, even as his driver went all the way around the block to avoid pulling up near the Flaggers, AND former City Councilman "Chuck" Richardson (pictured left) stopped by for a "chat". 
Thanks to Flagger ingenuity, a dozen flags flew on specially designed 20' poles, in addition to those carried by the Flaggers!





More photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.307273399397952.1073742016.186485551476738&type=1

Saturday, February 8th, again, saw a dozen Flaggers on the Boulevard, many in uniform following the JEB Stuart Memorial Service at Hollywood Cemetery that same day.  Traffic was reported as brisk, with almost 100% of conversations positive and much support shown by passers by.
 

   
 


More photos here...  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.307775822681043.1073742022.186485551476738&type=1

We are heading into our 120th week of Flagging the VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and what started as a crusade to return the flags to the Confederate Memorial Chapel has turned into much, much, more, as we have changed the landscape in Richmond, and continue to change hearts and minds, educating residents and tourists alike about our flags and the honor of the men who fought beneath them.


The VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has desecrated the Confederate Memorial Chapel in Richmond by forcing the removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico. Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11th, 3:00 p.m. - Dusk, as we forward the colors in protest of this action and in honor or the Confederate Veterans who lived and died on the property.

If you can't be with us on the ground, PLEASE take a moment to make a phone call. EACH AND EVERY phone call is another strike and will help to support the men and women who are boots on the ground. Call (804) 340-1405 TODAY, Tuesday, February 11th, and ask them to return the Confederate Battle Flags to the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel, and return the honor to the Confederate Soldiers.

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!


Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers
 

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