From: info@vaflaggers.com
The Virginia Flaggers enjoyed beautiful weather and our largest turnout for Flagging in the Capital of the Confederacy since the Mass Flagging following the Jefferson Davis Birthday Celebration in June!
Once again, we were able to muster troops to stretch the line from the Museum District to the Museum of the Confederacy (MOC), located next to MCV Hospital, near the Capitol.
4 Flaggers at the MOC were armed with fliers, quickly prepared, to inform visitors. The fliers contained the message sent by SCV Commander-In-Chief Michael Givens, and was a good summary of the recently revealed plan to merge the museum and distribute our treasures.
They also gave out "We support Confederate History and Heritage Month" sticker, which visitors then wore into the museum. :)
The Flaggers reported positive conversations and many opportunities to inform the public of the proposed merger and request their assistance in contacting Board Members to request the plan be abandoned.
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Just across town, a total of 20 Flaggers gathered on the Boulevard in what was an incredible display of flags, and a fantastic turnout of men and women willing to stand for their Confederate Veteran ancestors. We have to wonder what museum officials think about the fact that by forcing the removal of 2 Confederate Battle flags, which flew 5 days a week, for 4 hours each day, they actually now have MORE flags, flying MORE hours, and in MUCH more visible places than when they flew on the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel, in honor and memory of the men who lived and died there.
We had several first-time Flaggers, and were honored to be joined by SCV Va Div 2nd Brigade Commander Everette Ellis.
Conversations were plentiful as folks were out enjoying the unseasonably cool temps and we had many opportunities to distribute literature and educate the public.
We will be stepping up our Flagging of the Museum Of the Confederacy this week, with lunchtime Flaggings planned for Tuesday, August 6th, and Wednesday, August 7th, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch time is a VERY BUSY time at the MOC, with brisk traffic and sidewalks crowded with folks curious as to why we are out front with flags and signs.
On Thursday, August 8th, we will be back at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m, and again on Saturday, August 10th, from Noon - 4:00 p.m.
There are many, many connections between the two institutions, and one is that the Director of the Board of Trustees at the VMFA, Benjamin W. Rawles III, is ALSO a member of the Board of Trustees for the Museum of the Confederacy.
The Virginia Flaggers are asking that you contact Mr. Rawles and request he take action regarding both institutions, and that he see to it that:
1) The VMFA removes the restriction from the lease preventing the flying of flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel.
2) The MOC takes action to remove Waite Rawls as President and CEO, end all proposals to merge with Tredegar and/or the Virginia Historical Society, and make immediate plans to fly a Confederate flag on the grounds of the Museum at Appomattox.
Mr. Rawles contact information:
Mr. Benjamin W. Rawles III
1313 East Main Street, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23219-3629
Tel: 804.697.3419
Fax: 804.697.3479
Email: ben.rawles©thalhimer.com
RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!
Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers
