As we prepare to take to the sidewalks of Lexington January 17-18, the local media once again gets it ALL WRONG...
"Battle Flag Still an Issue in Lexington
A group that was denied permission to fly the Confederate battle flag from utility poles in Lexington has all but guaranteed that no other flag, aside from the American flag and Virginia flag, will be flown in the city.
It's one more example of the narrow-minded approach to civic life by the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. They refuse to understand that the battle flag is a polarizing image to many people, including African-Americans for whom it is a symbol of racism and oppression and that it stands for a defense of slavery."
No, this is actually one more example of the ignorance of the editorial board of the News-Advance, since the Confederate Battle Flag WAS NOT among those displayed from City Light Pole flag stands the week leading up to the State Holiday!
(See our LTTE response below)
CALL TO ACTION!
Join the Va Flaggers as we take to the streets of Lexington on the Lee-Jackson Holiday - Friday, January 17th and Lee-Jackson Day, Saturday, January 18th- to celebrate the Lee-Jackson State Holiday, honor our heroes, and protest the Lexington City Council's discriminatory flag ban, which was passed to prohibit the display of Confederate Flags from flag stands on City light poles to honor Lee and Jackson during the Holiday.
We will meet at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery Friday, January 17th at 10:00 a.m. to receive literature, instruction, and maps. Lunch on your own (OUTSIDE of Lexington*). Flag all day. Dinner at 5:30 (Berky's restaurant) and back to town for a Confederate Picture show after dark. ;) We will be on Main Street flagging all day, so join us any time you can, for as long as you can.
Saturday, we will attend the memorial service at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery (meet at Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.) and then march as a unit in the parade (11:15 a.m.), and attend the RE Lee Memorial Service (12:00 p.m.). Lunch (OUTSIDE of Lexington*) on your own,and then back to town for MORE FLAGGING! ALL Confederates are welcome to join us in the parade or ANY or all of the activities! All that is required is a Confederate flag, a desire to honor our ancestors, and a smile!
*We support and a TOTAL BOYCOTT OF LEXINGTON, encourage all to do the same, and ask that everyone let the merchants and civic officials know why you will not be spending a dime while there.
The countdown is on! Will you STAND and be counted?!?!?!
RETURN the flags!
RESTORE the honor!
Susan Hathaway
Va Flaggers
Va Flaggers
1-8-2014
Dear Editor,
Three flags were the cause of dispute in Lexington, which resulted in the much contested Flag Ban law instituted on September 1st, 2011: the General Lee's Headquarters flag, the 2nd National Confederate Banner, and the Virginia State Flag of 1861.
Your editorial incorrectly ascribes the Battle Flag as the sole cause.
The Virginia State flag was born in April, 1861, and her first 4 years were used to guide Virginia troops to defend Virginia soil.
The Lee's HQ flag was used to designate the command center of Lee, and very closely resembles the current Georgia State flag. Washington and Lee University bears his name, as does Lee Chapel.
The 2nd National Banner was first used to drape the casket of General Stonewall Jackson. He made VMI famous.
Lexington was the final home for both Lee and Jackson. They made Lexington what it is today, and the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes both of these great men with the annual Lee-Jackson State Holiday. The use of those three flags are most appropriate to celebrate the holiday, as was the original intent in January 2011.
Folks may disagree over the Battle Flag, but it was a great disservice to the readers of your newspaper to attempt to heighten passions where none should exist, by claiming the Battle Flag was an issue in Lexington City Council's flag ban ordinance.
Thanks and God Bless
Billy Bearden
Billy Bearden
Va Flaggers Upcoming Events:
Friday, January 17th - Saturday, January 18th, 2014: Lee-Jackson State Holiday/Flagging/Memorial Events, Lexington, Va. The Va Flaggers will be flagging Lexington all day Friday, for the Lee-Jackson State Holiday, and participating in the Memorial Services and parade on Saturday, with more flagging Saturday afternoon. We invite all to join us! More details soon. Event Page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/227559140750614/ Info from the Stonewall Brigade here: http://leejacksonday.webs.com/
Saturday, February 1st, 2014: Susan will travel to Statesboro, GA to speak at the Lee-Jackson Banquet, held by the Ogeechee Rifles, Camp #941, SCV. RJ's Restaurant, 454 South Main St. (US 301 S.) @ 6 pm for the meal, preliminaries @ 7 pm and the program immediately following. Seating limited to 125. Ticket information forthcoming at a later date.
Saturday, February 22nd, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the February meeting of the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy Camp #2141, SCV, Fredericksburg, VA. 4:00 p.m., Perkins Restaurant, 10 Simpson Rd.
Tuesday, March 4th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the March meeting of the R.E Lee Camp #1589, SCV. Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant, 2401 Colony Crossing Place, Midlothian, VA 23112. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. and meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 20th, 2014: 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.
April 19, 2014, 2014: Susan will be traveling to Quincy, FL to speak at the Confederate Memorial Day Service at the Soldier's Cemetery, sponsored by the Finley's Brigade, SCV.
Saturday, April 26th, 2014: Susan will be speaking at the Delaware Confederate Memorial Ceremony, Marvel Carriage Museum, 510 South Bedford Street, Georgetown, Delaware, Time: 11AM - 2PM
