Carson residents scramble for the Stars and Stripes

Carson City residents Wednesday were combing area stores for American flags and, for the most part, finding few.

"I have received about 10 calls today on my own," said Super Kmart Manager Chris Urso. "Unfortunately, we have no flags, but we have some on order."

Target, Smith's, Albertson's, Safeway, Walgreen, Scolari's, Home Depot and Lowe's shared that sentiment, all saying they have put in orders.

"We sold our last one today," said Michelle O'Connor, a manager at Longs Drugs. She said about 45 flags left over from Labor Day were sold by Tuesday night and the final three left the store Wednesday morning.

"It's sad that it takes this traumatic event to show our patriotism."

One place to find a flag on Wednesday was Heritage Bank in South Carson City.

President Stan Wilmoth decided Wednesday morning on the way to work he wanted to hand out flags to anyone who came into the branches in Carson City and Reno.

"In light of the terrible tragedy that took place on American soil yesterday, Heritage Bank of Nevada is offering free American flags to the first 1,200 people who ask for them. This is a small gesture but we hope it will bring some solace to our community," said Wilmoth.

"I think the terrorist have underestimated the American resolve. The patriotism has just been overwhelming."

Bob Cameron, district manager for Albertson's, said his company has put in an order for "car flags, house flags, medium-sized stick flags, buttons, practically everything." The only setback is the distributor is on the East Coast, and with flights grounded, he is not sure when the shipment will arrive. Cameron said Albertson's has also set up collection points at all registers for the Red Cross and has committed to matching any donations up to $50,000.

The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada has not had to turn away a single person, said gift shop manager Maryann Weiss.

"We have many different American and Nevada flags in all sizes" Weiss said. Thanks to a sign outside the museum, her shop has been inundated with people coming in to buy a flag.

"Once we heard what happened, we placed an order right then and there, " said Wal-Mart assistant manager Paul Gavin. "It will take three days, but they'll probably be in by this weekend." Gavin said employees were still stunned by the turn of events.

At Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, a spokesman said the entire stock of 25 flags was sold by 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. He expected more to arrive today.

HOW TO RESPECT AND DISPLAY OUR FLAG:

-- The flag is customarily displayed only from sunrise to sunset. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated.

-- The flag should not be displayed in inclement weather except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

-- When flying the flag at half-staff it should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant, then lowered to a position that equals one half of the staff. When flown with other flags, the other flags should be flown at a lower point than the American flag. The flag should again be hoisted to the peak when lowered.

-- The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except in times of dire distress.

-- The flag should never touch anything below it such as the ground, floor, water or merchandise.

-- When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

President George W. Bush ordered by proclamation issued Wednesday the flag shall fly at half-staff until sunset Sept. 16.

Links: www.whitehouse.gov