Va Flaggers Update: Flagging the VMFA
October marks one year of flagging the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. What started as an individual act of protest has grown to include over 250 people over the past 12 months. There is no doubt that officials at the VMFA never imagined that we would still be out there, standing with our flags, educating the public, and speaking for our ancestors.
October 1, 2012:
Thursday, October 4, 2012 found 9 Va Flaggers gathered on the Boulevard to protest the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and their forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the portico of the Confederate War Memorial/Pelham Chapel. On a warm, breezy afternoon, almost a year to the day of the first flagging of the VMFA, traffic was heavy due to the Jazz Cafe’ event which is held every Thursday 6- 9 and is free. We spoke to many passers by and handed out information. Everyone was very supportive.
Flaggers were present on the Boulevard Saturday, October 6th, and Tuesday, October 9th…
Tuesday, October 9th – 11 Flaggers gathered to forward the colors, enjoyed cooler temperatures and steady traffic on the Boulevard, and had great conversations with folks about the VMFA and their dishonoring of American Veterans by removing the Confederate Battle Flags from the Confederate War Memorial/Pelham Chapel.
The highlight of the night was the conversation with the girl pictured below. She hailed from north of the Mason-Dixon line, and approached the Va Flaggers very skeptical of our flags and what we were doing. After just a few minutes of conversation with Barry and Charlie, she was proud to hold the Confederate Battle flag and pose for a picture with the Flaggers! Changing hearts and minds…yes, even Yankee hearts! 😉
Saturday, October 13th. 8 Flaggers gathered on a BEAUTIFUL fall day in the Capital of the Confederacy. Traffic was moderate, but conversations were EXCELLENT. One nearby resident stopped by to ask why the Va Flaggers were out. After hearing about the forced removal of Confederate Battle Flags from the Confederate war Memorial, he told us he had lived in Richmond for 20 years, loved the South, and supported our efforts. He promised to go inside and tell VMFA officials what he thought…he was born in the North. The students giving the thumbs up sign were from Roanoke, VA and proud to pose with the flags.
Wednesday, October 17th was another AMAZING afternoon on the Boulevard as 10 Va Flaggers gathered to forward the colors! It was a beautiful day in the Capital of the Confederacy, with temperatures nearing 70 degrees and a breeze to lift the flags. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive today, with much support for the cause of returning the Confederate Battle Flags to the Confederate War Memorial/Pelham Chapel. After dusk several Flaggers remained to greet attendees of an evening function at the museum, and made sure they were reminded of how the VMFA has insulted American veterans by banning our flags from the Pelham Chapel.
Each week, twice a week, Va Flaggers advance the colors and educate the public about what the VMFA has done. Join us. Our next flagging is this SATURDAY, October 20th, 1:00 p.m. – Dusk.
We also need EVERYONE to continue to contact the VMFA and ask them to RETURN the flags and RESTORE the honor. Please take a few minutes today to call, email, or write. EACH phone call, email, or letter is important in our efforts, and lets the VMFA know that what they have done will not be forgotten. This week, we are asking you to contact ELIZABETH O’LEARY. She can be reached by phone at (804) 340-1650, by email at eloleary@verizon.net, or write to her at VMFA, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond VA 23220.
We also have an online petition. Please sign and share:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/918/949/849/?cid=FB_Share
NOTE: To mark the first anniversary of Flagging the VMFA, the Va Flaggers will hold a mass flagging of the VMFA on Saturday, November 3rd, in conjunction with SCV National’s Leadership Workshop, being held at the Pelham Chapel/Confederate War Memorial that day. We are asking ALL those who support the return of the Confederate Battle Flags to the Chapel to join us on that afternoon, to cover the sidewalk with Confederate flags and help show the VMFA that we are not going anywhere until the flags are returned. This is a great opportunity for those who have wanted to try flagging, with plenty of folks to stand with you and show you the ropes. Make plans to attend the SCV National Leadership Workshop… and join us afterwards. Please see the attached document for more information on the workshop.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, October 22nd: The Va Flaggers have been invited to speak at the John M. Jordan Camp #581, SCV in South Boston, VA. 6:00 pm at the Spare Times Grill located on Rt. 58, one mile east of the intersection of Rt. 58 with Rt. 501 on the south side of South Boston, VA. The restaurant is located in the World of Sports Complex on Rt. 58.
Saturday, November 3rd: SCV National Leadership Conference/Mass Flagging of the VMFA. Conference 9-3, Flagging 1-5, with supper at Buzz and Ned’s.
Sunday, December 2nd: Mechanicsville Christmas Parade. This is a HUGE event with BIG crowds. Start spreading the word. ALL CONFEDERATES WELCOME TO JOIN US! http://www.mechanicsvillerotary.org/Events/MechanicsvilleChristmasParade.aspx
Friday/Saturday, January 18-19, 2013 – Lee-Jackson Day, Lexington, VA, www.leejacksonday.webs.com
Saturday, January 26th: Susan will be traveling to Hollywood, FL to speak at the William Henry Harris Camp #1395 annual Lee-Jackson banquet.
Saturday, March 16th: Sons of Confederate Veterans Confederate Heritage Rally 2013, Biloxi, MS, Beauvoir. We would like to get a good group together to travel and take part in the parade and events there! Make plans to join us!
RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!
See you on the Boulevard!
Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers
info@vaflaggers.com
