Local Confederate flag ride and rally

The debate continued Saturday over whether the Confederate flag is a symbol of heritage or sending a message of hate. Those waving the rebel flag could be seen through most of the afternoon, stretching from Henrico to the capitol building in Richmond.

"I'm flying it for me and my ancestors," said Confederate flag supporter, Zach Jarvis.

At just 17-years-old, Jarvis is behind the latest Confederate flag demonstration in Henrico.

"Family's from the south. I have ancestors who fought in the Civil War, and I just wanted to exercise my right to fly the flag for what it truly is," said Jarvis.

With a flag flying from his vehicle for the past month, Jarvis decided to gather up his friends and create their own group called the "West End Flaggers." They led a motorcade spanning several miles down Broad St. and into Short Pump Saturday that included established Virginia Flaggers.

"It's about freedom and heritage, being proud of where you came from, who you came from," said Confederate flag supporter, Dorothy Brenner

The fight for heritage continued outside the capitol building in Richmond with a rally where Virginia Flaggers and others were combating an agenda they call anti-Christian, anti-Confederate, and anti-southern.

"To us it's not only a Christian flag but it's what our ancestor fought and died under," said Virginia Flagger, Barry Isenhour.

Among the crowd was one man with a different view.

"I see the confederate flag as a symbol that was founded around white supremacy," said Confederate flag opponent, Goad Gatsby.

While the flag groups say they're trying to save history, Gatsby says they're doing the opposite.

"When they come out and have the Confederate flag, they have no historical context and they do a disservice to history," said Gatsby. "To forget about the damaging things of slavery is detrimental."

While the ride starting in the parking lot near Mission BBQ, the business is in no way associated with the demonstration.

Report an Error or Submit a Tip to NBC12