Friday, March 20, 2015

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

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