Thursday, July 30, 2015

Roadside Memorial Flag Updates

Fredericksburg I-95: 

The Virginia Flaggers are pleased to announce the raising of a new 20' x 20' Army of Northern Va Battle Flag at our I-95 Fredericksburg Memorial Battle Flag site!

 


This beautiful, custom made ANV was a gift from Lt Col John Zebelean, 1st Lieutenant Commander of the Major General Isaac Ridgeway Trimble SCV Camp#1836, Catonsville MD. Thank you, Sir, for your generosity and support!


The flag will fly in honor of all Confederate soldiers, and specifically to remember the nearly 246,000 Confederate soldiers who fought in separate battles in the vicinity of Fredericksburg (1862), Chancellorsville (1863), Spotsylvania (1864) and the Wilderness (1864).

The preservation of liberty and freedom guaranteed by our forefathers and embodied in the US Constitution of 1788, motivated these men to leave their loved ones and take up arms, and driven by duty and honor, they answered the call to defend their State from invasion. Their noble attributes are the underpinning of our republican society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built. These citizen-soldiers of all races, creeds, and faiths, who fought for the Confederacy, personified the best qualities of America.

As the sons and daughters of these gallant men, The Virginia Flaggers, along with the numerous benefactors and supporters of this flag, believe that it is our "...duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations." (Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee, CSA)

 
Chester I-95:
At the Chester site, the 15x15 custom Army of Northern Virginia Battle Flag has been returned after repairs made by Mrs Judy Pierce of the Sally Tompkins Chapter #2, Va Society OCR. 
 
 
Thank you, Judy, for sharing your time and talents for the Cause, and thank you to volunteers who have spent hours over the last few weeks doing work to improve the site. More improvements coming soon!
 
In Lexington, the flag on 20x30 flag at the I-81 site had begun to unravel on one edge, so we delivered a new 20x30 out to the site on Saturday, and it was changed out that evening.  
 
I captured this photo and video of the I-81 site on the way home from Chattanooga last month:
 
Thanks to many dedicated volunteers, we are able to lower the flags at all of our sites when high winds are expected, and repair flags as soon as we see any damage, which allows them to be reused.  This, along with the generous support of so many of you, has made it possible to  keep battle flags flying 24/7, continuously, at ALL 7 of our current flags sites.  We are also happy to report that there have been no issues of vandalism or disturbances at any of our sites during the past few weeks of "unrest". 
 
OUR NEXT PROJECTS:  We currently have three flag projects that are in various stages of development, in several locations in the Commonwealth, and  a waiting list of folks eager to have flags installed.  We are asking again that our supporters be on the lookout for used/reclaimed flag poles that we might be able to use.

A critical need is an 80' or taller pole for another I-95 installation.

Thank you for your continued support!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers

Friday, July 24, 2015

Flagging the VMFA/Capitol Rally

Last week, the Sons of Confederate Veterans National Reunion was held in Richmond, and we scheduled flaggings at the VMFA Thursday and Friday to allow folks from out of town to join us on the Boulevard.  We were absolutely thrilled at the response, with over 35 folks joining us over the two days, with flaggers from TEXAS, ILLINOIS, TENNESSEE, MARYLAND, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA...and all the way from FRANCE raising their Battle Flags in protest of the forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the Confederate Memorial Chapel.



The weather was warm, but traffic was heavy, and there were many chances for good conversations.  This gentleman asked to pose for a photo after finding out why we were out on the Boulevard.  


It was a great couple of days, and those who joined us for the first time, came away with the knowledge that while there are some challenges... flagging is.. FUN!



MANY, MANY thanks to all who took time out to join us!



On Saturday, we teamed with the Army of Northern Virginia Mechanized Cavalry to sponsor the First Annual "Capital of the Confederacy Rally to Save Confederate History and Heritage",

We were excited to have over 250 folks turn out to lift their voices in defense of our Confederate Veterans!



Rousing remarks from Richard Hines and Fred Taylor stirred the crowd and called everyone in attendance to action!



The Stafford Light Artillery, Camp # 2247 provided a color guard, and we were THRILLED to have Maryland Division SCV Commander Jay Barringer and Gen. Isaac Trimble Camp # 1836 Commander Terry Klima join us and share their talents with special music, including a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace that brought reverence and worship to the Capitol grounds. 


Dan Coleman, Georgia Division Judge Advocate brought us an update on Stone Mountain, and  challenged those gathered to "take the offense" , and take the fight to the enemy.

We were pleased with the turnout, buoyed by the enthusiasm of those present, and hope this was the first of many such rallies to come. 
Great video here, courtesy of Eileen Zoellner:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmZW3Mq3Ngc

One of the highlights was getting to meet many supporters, and make new connections with folks who are eager to join us in taking a stand.  We offer our sincere appreciation to all those who helped make the event possible. It was TRULY a group effort, and we are thankful for all who stepped up to answer the call.
Grayson Jennings
Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
info@vaflaggers.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Monument Guards Update

We are halfway through our fourth week of Monument Guards in Richmond, and are thrilled to report that things APPEAR to have quieted down in the Capital of the Confederacy.


The Va Flaggers have coordinated patrols of the city's monuments each night since June 26, when one of our folks surprised a vandal in the act of defacing the Jefferson Davis Monument.  Thanks to information they were able to provide, and evidence left at the scene, the perpetrator was subsequently arrested and convicted.

http://www.newsadvance.com/news/state/man-who-spray-painted-l-for-loser-on-jefferson-davis/article_c3e3aadc-1fed-11e5-9c20-5b7d84de39d5.html

  Since that time, over three dozen volunteers, including a father-son duo from Pennsylvania, and a couple who traveled all the way from Chicago, Illinois, have stepped up to serve as Monument Guards.  During this time, we have seen increased security by both Richmond Police and State Capitol Police, both of whom have thanked us for our added patrols and cooperation.

Our good friend, David Tatum, wanted to do something to show the Monument Guards his appreciation, and made and sent these ribbons.
 

At a meeting last week, we were able to present them to a few of those who have taken part in the  patrols....

 

Thank you, David, for the gifts of appreciation, and many thanks to each and every person who has volunteered to take a shift on monument patrol. 
 
We have also received confirmation from RPD this week that ads have been placed to promote the $1,500 reward that we set up for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the FIRST vandalizing of the Jefferson Davis Monument.  As soon as we have links we will share them, and plan on posting information throughout the museum district, in hopes of getting someone with information to come forward.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, and steadfast support.

God bless the Monument Guards!

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

It Was NEVER About the Battle Flag....

I couldn't sleep last night, after seeing an image more disturbing than any I have witnessed over the last few weeks. 

After Commissioners in Bexar County, TX voted yesterday to remove Confederate Memorial plaques from County property, workers ripped the memorials from walls under cover of darkness...just before midnight.

Veterans' memorials, installed by heroes, were removed by cowards.

A local news station was there and caught this photo of the Taliban/ISIS/Nazi/Communist/Orwellian like destruction of our history and heritage...

Apparently, in their frenzied haste, they failed to notice that one of the four "Confederate" symbols is actually an AMERICAN LEGION plaque.  We can only assume that Bexar County has chosen to openly and willfully dishonor ALL American Veterans by their disgraceful actions. 

Obviously, there are no so-called "offensive" battle flags on any of these plaques... only a United Daughters of the Confederacy Logo, and an American Legion logo. 

Here is a link the contact information for the Commissioners who are responsible for this heinous act:

http://www.bexar.org/146/Commissioners-Court

These folks are quick to cash in on the profits generated by the history/heritage of The Alamo, yet have chosen to dump OUR history and heritage...and that of thousands of Bexar County residents, into the trash bin. 

One speaker at the meeting last night was quoted as saying that the plaques belong in a "museum".  Sound familiar?  Newsflash, Bexar County...those memorials belong EXACTLY where YOUR citizens installed them, and/or wherever WE, the remnant of a once great Army, decide they should be placed. 

What's next, Bexar County Commissioners...grave robbing?

God have mercy on their souls...and GOD SAVE THE SOUTH!

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

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Who Has the Right to Interpret the Meaning of the Confederate Battle Flag?

The flag that we know as the Confederate Battle Flag was used by many (but by no means all) Confederate military units during the War for Southern Independence (1861-1865). It was their flag, and they alone had the right to interpret its meaning.

When the War was over, the Confederate soldiers became Confederate veterans. They formed an organization known as the United Confederate Veterans. The Confederate Battle Flag was still their Flag, and they alone had the right to interpret its meaning.


In 1896, since many of the Confederate veterans were aged, infirm, and dying off, the Sons of Confederate Veterans was formed as the successor organization to the United Confederate Veterans. The legacy and authority of the United Confederate Veterans was transferred to them over the next ten years. This transfer of power culminated in a speech given 25 April 1906 at New Orleans, Louisiana by Stephen Dill Lee, Confederate lieutenant-general, and commander-in-chief of the United Confederate Veterans:
"To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations."
Since 25 April 1906, therefore, the Confederate Battle Flag has been the flag of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. They alone have the right to interpret its meaning. They have interpreted its meaning, and explained (repeatedly!) that meaning – and it is not hatred, nor is it bigotry.

The Confederate Battle Flag is not the flag of the Kluxers and other malcontents of their ilk. They do not have the right to interpret its meaning.

The Confederate Battle Flag is not the flag of the NAACP. They do not have the right to interpret its meaning.

The Confederate Battle Flag is not anyone's personal flag. It is flown to honor and respect the brave soldiers of the Confederate States of America.

Anyone who attempts to impart false meanings of the Confederate Battle Flag is therefore out of order.

 -Author Unknown

Photo: Return of a Confederate army unit battle-flag, at a United Confederate Veterans' reunion in Marianna, Florida, 1927