In the days leading up to the September 28th RVA I-95 Confederate Battle Flag raising in Chester, VA, the media filed reports filled with fears and speculation of “trouble” that was sure to accompany the planned Memorial and Dedication service. Planning for a crowd of approx. 150, we were warned that folks would likely stay away in fear. Chesterfield County police officers visited with us in the days leading up to the service, to go over parking and traffic control plans, and to let us know that they would be on call should there be any disturbances.
As the Va Flaggers arrived to prepare for the event on Saturday morning, it soon became obvious that not only was the weather going to be perfect, but that all of those fears were completely unfounded. Parking was plentiful, traffic was trouble free, and over 300 Southern Heritage Supporters made their way to the flag site, including visitors from as far away as North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, as well as cities and towns from across the Commonwealth. Throughout the entire course of the event, there was not one single protestor, dissenter, or even a disparaging remark from passers-by.
