Va Flaggers Update: VMFA - Raising the Black Flag

Chilly, but clear, last Tuesday, February 25th saw a dozen Flaggers gather on the Boulevard.  We were able to spread the line to wrap around to the entrance of the VMFA, and our signs and 20' flags brought many honks of approval and support! 

 

 

For the first time since we began Flagging the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in October, 2011, we were confronted by "counter protestors". This young man parked his trike in the midst of the Flaggers, and proceeded to blast profanity-laced music from his MP3 player.  It didn't take long for him to realize that we were not going to give an inch, or give him any attention, and he soon tired and left.   

 Saturday, March 1st, 10 Flaggers spent the afternoon on the Boulevard.  We were thrilled to have several out of town flaggers stand with us, including Va Flagger friend and supporter Joe Clark, Alabama Division SCV South East Brigade Commander.  After helping out at Hollywood Cemetery, Cmndr. Clark spent the afternoon forwarding the colors and holding the line.  What an amazing show of support!  Thank you, Sir, for taking time out of your trip to Richmond to join the Flaggers and stand with us!  God bless the boys from Alabama! 

  

It was a beautiful day, with another visit from the protestor, this time drawing the attention of VMFA security, but again, proving futile in his attempts to drive away the Flaggers.  Despite the interruption, Flaggers were able to talk with museum visitors, tourists, and residents, distributing literature, educating them about the situation with the Chapel, changing hearts and minds, and HAVING FUN! 

 

Virginia Flaggers Call to Action!

Flagging the VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, TODAY, Thursday, March 6, 3:00 pm - Dusk, 200 N. Boulevard.

March marks the start of our 30th month of Flagging the VMFA, in response to the forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel in Richmond. The length of time has served to strengthen our resolve, as our numbers and support continues to grow. Instead of surrender, our Flaggers are determined to RAISE THE BLACK FLAG, and we are stepping up our efforts this month.

PLEASE consider joining us! If you have ever thought about getting down to the Boulevard, NOW IS THE TIME! There is plenty of room on the sidewalk, and plenty of experienced Flaggers ready and willing to show you the ropes!

If you can't make it tomorrow, PLEASE support the Va Flaggers by calling Museum Director Alex Nyerges at (804) 340-1504 or writing via email: alex.nyerges@vmfa.museum or fax: (804) 340-1502 and ask Mr. Nyerges to return the Confederate Battle Flags to the Confederate Memorial Chapel... and restore the honor to the Confederate Veterans who lived and died on the grounds of the Old Solder's Home.

Won't you take a few minutes to support those who stand twice a week, every week, in protest of those who would dishonor our Confederate Veterans, and in honor and memory of our gallant ancestors?

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

Grayson  Jennings
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

Va Flaggers Update 2-23-2014

Saturday, February 22nd was a very busy and very good day for the Va Flaggers!

The day started with beautiful weather for cleaning headstones at Hollywood Cemetery.  7 Flaggers and a guest volunteer spent the morning cleaning headstones in the soldier's section, using Orvus soap - and D2 on heavily discolored markers, rinsed with water after cleaning.

Weekends at Hollywood Cemetery are busy, and there are lots of visitors.  While we were there, we helped one of the volunteers find her ancestor.  Several visitors stopped to talk about who we were and what we were doing.  Another visitor was looking for a soldier from the older soldiers section.  We helped her find the grave, gave her a flag to mark it, and then cleaned his stone, as well.  :)

 

TextMore photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311372648988027.1073742032.186485551476738&type=3

This Saturday, March 1st, the Va Flaggers will have another clean up day at Hollywood Cemetery, in the section that contains the graves of Veterans who died at the Old Soldier's Home.  We will be continuing the work to reclaim graves from the hedges and overgrowth.  All are invited to join us and lend a hand.  Bring garden tools, rakes, clippers, etc... and meet at 9:00 a.m.

Immediately following the tombstone cleanup, the Va Flaggers gathered on the Boulevard to forward the colors and protest the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and their forced removal of Confederate flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel.  65 degrees and breezy in the Capital of the Confederacy meant a great day for flying flags and for conversations with residents, museum visitors, and tourists.  14 Flaggers meant plenty of troops to spread the line and many good and positive conversations were reported.

More photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311375765654382.1073742033.186485551476738&type=3

Later that day, Susan and Judy made the drive up to Fredericksburg for the February meeting of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy, Camp #2141, SCV.  They enjoyed a great dinner, warm welcome, and fantastic support from the members.  After speaking, Susan was overwhelmed when Camp Commander John Sawyer presented her with a battle flag that he had hand-sewn, complete with a beautiful formal pole for display, as a gift from the camp.  She promised to carry it with honor, and will never forget the generosity and incredible support the camp has shown the Va Flaggers.

 

More photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311378572320768.1073742034.186485551476738&type=1

THANK YOU, gentlemen, and God bless the men of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy, Camp #2141!

The Va Flaggers return to the Boulevard this Tuesday, February 25th, 3:00 p.m. - Dusk.  PLEASE consider joining us as we stand against those who have desecrated the Confederate Memorial Chapel and dishonored the Veterans who lived and died on the grounds of the Old Soldiers' Home. If you cannot be there, take a few minutes to support the Flaggers by making a phone call to the Museum.  Call (804) 340-1405 and ask museum officials to return the flags to the portico of the Chapel, and return the honor to our Confederate Veterans.  We are at a critical point in our campaign, and EVERY call makes a difference.  Call early...call often...and speak for those who no longer have a voice!

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

Rader James
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

VMFA UPDATE 2/21/2014

Changing hearts and minds...and educating the public about our flags and the men who fought and died beneath them...

Thursday, February 20th:  As we enter our 125th week of Flagging the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), days like yesterday remind us that what we do twice a week, every week, has turned into much more than just a protest against the forced removal of Confederate flags from the Confederate Memorial Chapel.

This family was visiting RVA from Detroit, Michigan. After stopping to chat with one of the Va Flaggers, and learning about why we were out on the Boulevard, this young man wanted to have a turn "waving" the flag. No fear...no intimidation...just the pure joy and innocence of childhood...and a chance to educate that would not have happened if it not for the vile act committed by the VMFA .

So today, we offer our THANKS. THANK YOU, Alex Nyerges. THANK YOU VMFA Board of Directors. THANK YOU VMFA Board of Trustees. If you had not removed the Confederate Battle Flags from the Chapel, we would not be standing on the sidewalk in front of the VMFA with Confederate flags, and this and MANY, MANY other chances to educate the public and change hearts and minds would not have happened over the past 125 weeks!

Thanks to the folks at the VMFA, this young man will now associate the Confederate Flag with a nice, polite gentleman who was kind to him and taught him about the history of the South and the honor of the soldiers who defended her...and let him have a turn waving his beautiful flag!

11 Flaggers in all were out on a mild February evening, lining the Boulevard and reported that support was at an all-time high, with many honks of approval, thumbs up, and shouts of supports from passing vehicles!

More photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.310920249033267.1073742030.186485551476738&type=1
SATURDAY, February 15th:  Despite FRIGID temperatures, cold rain, and a chilly wind, the Va Flaggers took advantage of a very brief break in the rain to head down to to the Boulevard and post and forward the colors to protest the VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and their forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel.  This was the THIRD day of flagging that week, reminding museum officials that far from backing down, we are more determined than ever to stand for our Confederate ancestors and the flags they died beneath.

More photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.309686075823351.1073742027.186485551476738&type=1

Thursday, February 14th:  IMPROMPTU FLAGGING! 
Cabin fever and an afternoon full of sunshine in Richmond, Va led one of our Flaggers to put out the call for others to join him for an impromptu Valentine's Day flagging gift for VMFA Director Alex Nyerges!

6 Flaggers answered the call and joined him.

Tuesday, February 11th:  30 chilly degrees and yet 8 Flaggers  made their way to the Boulevard, with Flagger Barry procuring this prime parking spot and giving a shout out to our Georgia Flaggers and the Georgia Veterans who lived and died at the Old Soldiers Home...

An incredible week of flagging, accompanied by major progress on pending litigation, and other plans have given the Flaggers a significant increase in momentum that we intend to fully use to our advantage in this struggle to RETURN the flags and RESTORE the honor.

YOU can help!  Our next flagging is THIS SATURDAY, February 22nd, Noon - 4:00 p.m.  PLEASE consider taking the time to join us, so that we can double our presence during this very important time!  No experience necessary...just bring a Confederate flag, and a heart for standing for our ancestors.  Experienced Flaggers will help show you the ropes and make you feel right at home!  If you cannot make it out to the Boulevard, PLEASE take a few minutes to make a phone call in support of the Flaggers!  Call the Director's office (804) 340 -1500 sometime between now and Saturday and ask them to return the Confederate flags to the Confederate Memorial Chapel.  Now, more, than ever, it is important to let YOUR voice be heard. 

RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers
P. O. Box 547
Sandston, A 23150

Descendants of Point Lookout Organization Annual Pilgrimage

2013:

When the Feds started trying to tell us how we would be allowed to honor those who lived and died at Point Lookout at the national monument/park, these folks bought land and built a CONFEDERATE memorial park where our flags are flown, the truth is told, and our ancestors are honored as they should be.

My Great-Great Grandfather was incarcerated at Point Lookout before being sent on to Elmira.  I am proud to be a member of the Descendants of Point Lookout Organization.  If you are a descendant of a Point Lookout prisoner, please consider joining now!

Make plans to be a part of the pilgrimage, and support this fine organization!

http://www.plpow.com/


Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150

Flagging the VMFA 2-15-2014

Despite FRIGID temperatures, cold rain, and a chilly wind, the Va Flaggers took advantage of a very brief break in the rain to head down to to the Boulevard and post and forward the colors to protest the VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and their forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel.  This was the THIRD day of flagging this week, reminding museum officials that far from backing down, we are more determined than ever to stand for our Confederate ancestors and the flags they died beneath.

Old Soldiers Home Resident Spotlight:

John Jefferson Goin
Cause of admission: Old age.
Company B, 46th Regiment, Virginia Infantry.
15 September 1922.
Age at time of admission: 84 years.
Admitted by: Board of Visitors.
Place of residence at time of admission: Buckingham County,
Virginia.
http://image.lva.virginia.gov/Camp_Lee/html/3237.html

God Bless Private Goin, and God bless the Flaggers who stand for him and in memory of all of the Veterans who lived and died on the grounds of Confederate Memorial Park!

Barry Isenhour
Va Flaggers

Honor the Truth And The Men Who Fought To Defend It

"The Confederate battle flag was a soldier’s flag. It was born on the battlefield and carried by the men who were fighting to defend our country from an enemy bent not on liberation, but conquest. Are we to take it down then, and meekly acquiesce in the perpetuation of that colossal lie that has been leveled against us for 150 years? Or should we let it fly to honor the truth and the men who fought under it?" - Va Flagger/Author H.V. "Bo" Traywick, Jr.

Read the full text of Mr. Traywick's remarks, as published in the February 12, 2014 Chesterfield Observer, here:  http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2014-02-12/Opinions/Letters.html

Photo: I-95 Memorial Battle Flag Projects, Chester, VA Site, as seen from the interstate, Valentine's Day, 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