Va Flaggers Update:
Robert E Lee Memorial Bridge Signs
It is
often misunderstood that all we do as Flaggers is stand out in public “waving” a
Confederate Battle Flag. Although there
are many times that we do forward the colors (whether it be in protest of a
heritage violation, or in honor of our ancestors at a Memorial Service or
event), a large part of the work we do is behind the scenes. The story of the Robert E. Lee Memorial
Bridge signs here in Richmond is one example of such work.
Several months ago, Va Flagger Grayson Jennings noticed that the
signs designating the memorial were missing from the bridge. He recalled that during construction 5-6
years ago, the signs had disappeared, and then re appeared after some inquiry,
only to (apparently) disappear again.
His first request to VDOT was answered with the information that “The
Lee Bridge across the James River in Richmond, while constructed by VDOT in the
late 1980’s, was turned over to the City of Richmond for operation and
maintenance upon completion. Any signing for that bridge is the responsibility
of the City to keep up. VDOT would have no involvement in the replacement of
signs designating the Lee Bridge.”
It
was suggested we contact the City Public Works
Department.
The Richmond Public Works Department responded that
they did not realize the signs were missing and would check into it. After many follow up communications, we
received word on March
26th that new signs had been fabricated, and that we should
look for them to be installed in approx. 2 weeks.
This was followed with a few more follow up emails and
periodic drive-by sign checks. Finally,
on Tuesday, May
21st, we were THRILLED to drive up to the bridge and find that
the SIGNS HAD BEEN INSTALLED!!! Four signs now mark the bridge and are a
visible reminder each day, to thousands of motorists, of the man for whom the
bridge is named.
We share this story to encourage everyone to keep your
eyes and ears open for these kinds of “quiet” heritage violations, which happen
every day across the United States. Take
time to find the appropriate people to contact and “keep the skeer on” (in this
case, weekly, polite email inquiries) until they follow through, and the honor
due our Confederate heroes is restored!
In this case, victory was won without a single flag being waved,
and we never even got to try out our new slogan… “RETURN the
signs! RESTORE the
honor!” J
Special thanks to Grayson for his diligence, and to the
folks at the Richmond Public Works for stepping up and making this
right.
Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers
*Check out our new blog and follow us here: http://vaflaggers.blogspot.com/
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, May 24th:
6:30 p.m. - Evensong & Blessing of the Flags. This year the service will be at the Anglican
Catholic Church of St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland, 402 E. Monroe
Avenue, Alexandria, VA,m 22301. The rector, Rev. LTC John Lewis Roddy USAR (Ret)
is a member of the SCV and strongly encourages us to display our Confederate
flags, uniforms, and regalia. Of course we will have our usual Southron BBQ feed
after the service in the undercroft. The cost of the BBQ will be $25.00.
However, one does not need to attend the supper. If you plan to attend, please
contact Richard Abell directly: richard_bender_abell@yahoo.com
Saturday, May
25th: 11:00 a.m. – Confederate Memorial Day Service,
Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1700 Parrish Ave., Newport News, VA, Sponsored by the
Magruder-Ewell Camp #99, SCV
Monday, May 27th: 2:00 p.m. Thirty-Third Annual Huguenot
Springs Cemetery Memorial Day Service, Co-sponsored by the
J. E. B. Stuart Camp #1343 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Huguenot Springs
Cemetery Foundation and Knibb’s Battery. Includes bagpipe music by Virginia
Scots Guards and address by Ronnie S. Roach, who will speak about the
Confederate Memorial Day for each of the Southern states. There will be a
Presentation of Wreaths, followed by an artillery salute and refreshments.
Huguenot Springs Road south of Robious Road and west of State Route 288 in
Powhatan County. Free. 804-356-8868 or 804-740-1405.
Monday, May
27th: 3:00 p.m.
The Dearing - Beauregard Camp # 1813 will be presenting the 15th
Annual Memorial Day Service at historic Blandford Cemetery on Memorial Hill in
Petersburg, VA. Special guest speaker is award winning writer and historian
Michael C. Hardy. Music will be provided by noted Southern singer, songwriter
and actor Stan Clardy. The service is dedicated to Sgt. Daniel A. McIntosh, CO
I, 26th NC Regiment and Pvt William A. Vickers, CO H, 49th
NC Regiment.
Sunday, June 2nd: 11:00 a.m. – Memorial Service in honor of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and
the Confederate Soldiers & Sailors buried in Arlington National
Cemetery. The Confederate Memorial,
Jackson Circle, Arlington National Cemetery*.
Sponsored by the District of Columbia Div. of UDC.
Saturday, June 8th: 9:00 a.m. Annual birthday ceremony for
Jefferson F. Davis, at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. Keynote speaker will be Mr. Bert Hayes-Davis,
great great grandson of Jeff Davis.
Saturday, June 22nd:
Two Confederate grave marker ceremonies. 3495 Davis Mill Road, Thurston Family
Cemetery, Goochland, VA. Contact is James Waldrop, cell 804-513-9747. Honor Guard will be
provided by Mr Frank Yates, and the William Latane SCV camp. Many relatives
expected, should be a nice turnout. Plenty of parking.
Monday, June 24th: 6:30 p.m. - Susan and Barry will be traveling
to Va Beach to speak to the Princess Anne Camp #484, Sons of Confederate
Veterans, Gus and George's Spaghetti and Steakhouse, 4312 Virginia Beach,
VA
Saturday, June 29th: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 22nd Annual Point
Lookout Pilgrimage, Confederate Memorial Park, Point Lookout, MD.
Saturday, August
17th: Susan will
travel to Tampa, FL to speak to the August meeting of the Gen. Jubal A. Early
SCV Camp #556, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
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