Saturday, May 3rd was a beautiful, and BUSY day on the Boulevard in
Richmond. Traffic was heavy and an Anti-Confederate protestor, who is usually
alone, showed up with a few friends, standing with him and holding signs. It
seems that they stood just a little too closely to our Flaggers, however. It
only took a few minutes for one of our seasoned and most respected Flaggers to
strike up a conversation, which gradually drew them all in. As they listened,
and learned the truth about the Va Flaggers and why we are out there, they began
to fold their signs and one by one slung them under their arms. Eventually, all
but three dropped their signs and quickly left, once they realized that they had
been brought their under false pretenses. :)
With over a dozen Flaggers, we were able to stretch the line
to cover the sidewalk around the block and had good conversations out front on
the Boulevard, as well, and several of our Flaggers were interviewed by VCU Film
students, as well as a U of R History professor.
All in all, a fantastic day, with many opportunities to
educate and inform residents, tourists, and Museum visitors about the valor and
honor of our Confederate ancestors.
Tuesday, May 6th brought another gorgeous day, and Flaggers reported
heavy auto traffic, with many honks, waves, and shouts of support from
passers-by.
It was also a good day for conversations, with several
opportunities to educate folks about the forced removal of Confederate Battle
Flags from the Confederate Memorial Chapel by the VMFA.
On Saturday morning, May 10th, the Va
Flaggers held a ceremony for Confederate Memorial day at Oakwood Cemetery.
Several of those who attended from out of town joined us on the Boulevard after
the service was concluded. After a little "clearing up shower", we enjoyed a
good couple of hours, with several new Flaggers forwarding the colors and
standing for our Confederate ancestors for the first time!
We debuted some new signs, and had a few good chats with VMFA
security...
Thursday, May 15th was a little cloudy, but the rain held off long
enough for about a dozen flaggers to make a very effective appearance and
continue our vigil.
Saturday, May 17th saw the Anti-Confederate protestor return, alone
despite his public calls for others to join him and once again blared rap music,
with very offensive lyrics, laced with profanity and racial slurs. Our Flaggers
held the line, and came prepared to block out the garbage that permeates from
the protestor's mp3 player.
The Va Flaggers are committed to standing for our Ancestors,
and continuing this vigil until the flags are returned to their rightful place
on the Confederate Memorial Chapel, and the honor is restored to the men who
lived and died on the grounds of the Old Soldiers' Home. We believe it is time
to STAND UP and PUSH BACK against those who have for so long, been allowed to
desecrate our Memorials and dishonor our Veterans.
JOIN US on the front lines, TUESDAY, May 20th, 3:00 pm -
Dusk, and SATURDAY, May
24th, NOON - Dusk, as we forward the colors and protest the VMFA. If you
can't join us, please take a moment to support those on the ground by making a
phone call. PLEASE CALL (804) 340-1400 and ask museum officials to return the
flags to the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel. We know that EVERY
CALL is documented and EVERY CONTACT reminds them that there are others who care
about the desecration of the Chapel.
RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!
RESTORE the honor!
Norwood "TriPp" Lewis
UPCOMING
EVENTS:
Tuesday, May 20th: 3:00 pm - Dusk, Flagging the VMFA, 200 N.
Boulevard, Richmond VA
Thursday, May 22nd: Susan will be traveling to Columbia, SC to speak at the March meeting of the Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton Camp #273, SCV, Columbia SC. Seawell’s Banquet Hall, 1125 Rosewood DR. Dinner at 6:00, Meeting at 7:00.
Saturday, May 24th: Noon-
4:00 p.m. - Flagging the VMFA, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond VA
Sunday, May 25th: 2:00
p.m. Susan will be speaking at the Memorial Day Ceremony at Warrenton Cemetery,
presented by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Black Horse Chapter No. 9,
and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Black Horse Camp #780
Saturday, June
28th: The Descendants of
Point Lookout Annual Pilgrimage, 10:00 a.m. – Confederate Memorial Park, Point
Lookout, MD. Guest Speakers: Rev. Fr. Alister
Anderson and Susan Hathaway – More information here: www.plpow.com
Sunday, July 6th: 1:30
p.m., Headstone and Iron Cross Dedication Ceremony for Patrick Noah Newton,
Nelson Baptist Church, 1837
Nelson Church Rd, Nelson, Virginia https://www.facebook.com/events/1411845402398834/Monday, July 28th: 6:30 p.m. Susan will be speaking at the July meeting of the Princess Anne Camp #484, SCV. Gus & George's Spaghetti & Steak House, 4312 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Saturday, Nov. 1st: Susan will be speaking at the 100th
Anniversary celebration of the dedication of the Confederate Monument in
Lebanon, VA.
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