Gallup Independent

And in Gallup, Butler's Office Equipment and Supply Inc., a firm which sells American flags, has none left. In fact, Ken Gossard, floor supervisor, said, "We don't know of an American flag left for sale in Gallup, they're all gone." Gonzales said the Grants Wal-Mart supply went dry Thursday. While the discount store giant is out of flags at the moment, it is not out of patriotism. Gonzales said white ribbons of support are being given out free at every Wal-Mart store in the nation. "What happened in New York affected everybody in the United States and in the world," Gonzales said. Savedra said the run on flags began not long after the horrendous attack on the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan and the Pentagon on Tuesday. It's much the same as during the Gulf War when American flags began to sprout everywhere. In Gallup, Gossard said Route 66 through town is lined with American flags. "It's quite a sight," he said, adding that businesses along the historic national route in Gallup contract with the Lions Club to put up American flags. Flags also sprouted in Grants along Main Street on Friday and also all residential streets in the community had at least one American flag billowing in the wind from a home. Many businesses in Grants put out American flags on their own accord. Gossard said Friday, "We ran out of flags this morning." It isn't just a local thing either. The company which supplies American flags to Butler's said it will be about two weeks before shipments can be made. Savedra said her store carries other flag-related items as well. "We've always carried a good supply of flags," she said. "We're known for selling flags and other stores are referring customers to us." For example, truckers are buying up flags wherever they can find them to fly off their trucks. "It's nice to see the patriotism," Gossard said. Flags at all state, local and federal installations are being flown at half-staff to honor those who lost their lives in New York, the Pentagon and in an isolated farm field in Pennsylvania where one airliner hijacked by terrorists crashed Tuesday. Also called Old Glory, the American flag has a history. On June 14, 1777, Congress resolved that the flag would have 13 stripes alternating between red and white with a union of 13 stars on white on a blue field. The flag was officially announced Sept. 3, 1777. The 13 stripes symbolizes the 13 colonies which originally made up the United States and the 50 stars represent the 50 states in the union. The Continental Congress decided on the colors with the use of symbolism.