Virginia Flaggers - Flagging Politicians, Scalawags, and Traitors!

It has been a very busy couple of weeks for the Virginia Flaggers!
On Wednesday, April 18th, the Va Flaggers joined the Edmund Ruffin Fireaters, SCV, at the 64th Annual Shad Planking in Wakefield, Virginia. 10 Flaggers carried flags in a VERY Confederate friendly environment! We talked to HUNDREDS of folks about the Va Flaggers and what we have been doing in the Commonwealth, gave out flyers and cards, and spoke with political candidates who were on hand, EXCEPT for George Allen, whose posse made sure he stayed a safe distance from us and our flags!

We were asked over and over again to pose for pictures with our flags and support was overwhelming! Kind of nice to spend an afternoon with so many people saluting, smiling, and whistling Dixie!

After the photo of Grayson and Trevor and their Confederate flags made the press last year, signs were posted to keep flags and flaggers away from the stage, but it did not stop us from working the crowd, and a great time was had by all.

My favorite story of the afternoon...all of the Sherriff's deputies working the event were black. When I arrived, I had a conversation with four of them working the parking lot/gate. They had asked me why I was carrying the flag, and I explained about the Va Flaggers, my ancestors, and my desire to honor them. On the way out, one of the officers smiled, saluted, and told me to "keep on keeping on".  When the others looked at him, he said.."Hey, I support whatever that lady does!" Several men were walking near me and were incredulous when they overheard the encounter.  They mentioned that they couldn't believe he just said that. I just smiled and said..."happens to me all the time..." ;)

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The following night, Thursday, April 19th, found the Flaggers back at the VMFA.  11 Va Flaggers were on hand to stand in protest of the removal of Confederate Battle flags from the Confederate War Memorial and in honor of our ancestors and our flags.  The weather was good, and while traffic was light, good conversations were held and the colors were advanced for all passers-by to see.  

 

 

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Just two days later, Saturday, April 21st, and we are back at the VMFA! A BEAUTIFUL day on the Boulevard, as 19 Va Flaggers gathered to forward the colors and protest the VMFA. A few of us posed in front of the Confederate Memorial Chapel, just minutes before security caught us on the grounds and came out to chase us off.

Traffic was very heavy and at many points during the afternoon, we were engaged in more than one conversation at a time, and most were VERY positive.  We were fortunate to capture a few of these on video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3qCYBfi6Sw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaVBkruysEk


 
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Wednesday afternoon, April 25th found 14 FLAGGERS on the Boulevard! Early on, the sidewalks were packed with Garden Week attendees and these ladies were almost all very supportive and vowed to "march right in there and give the museum a piece of their minds". LOTS of good convos!

Later, Jimmy Jones and Frank Anthony Yates tried to recapture Camp Grayson. They were eventually repelled by a couple of very unhappy museum guards, and the city cops were called to the scene. They, however we're repelled when Tripp Lewis and Jimmy Jones posed for pics in front of the squad cars.

 

In the meantime, Jimmy Creech showed off his new and improved flag display, had many occasions to use the dixie horn, and fixed some mean BLT's for the hard working Flaggers. Fresh pork rinds from NC topped off the evening. Thanks to EVERYONE who came out to forward the colors!!!! 



 
We  were able to get video of the Museum Security removing the Flaggers and another of a conversation at the Chapel...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0UFz_3pabQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adai5z8OiJI

 
More info. can also be found on our public FaceBook page, "Confederate Flaggers:  Stand, Fight, and Never Back Down". 
http://www.facebook.com/groups/ConfederataeFlaggers/

Follow me on Twitter
https://twitter.com/#!/VaFlagger
RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!

Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers