Monday, March 23, 2015

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

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