American flag sales remain stagnant, despite Iraqi war

U. S. flag sales haven't picked up in Carson area stores following the onset of the war in Iraq -- at least not yet.

Sandy Anderson, owner of a flag store named Country Carousel in Gardnerville, said the American people were prepared for this conflict and might not react by purchasing flags.

"Sept. 11 grabbed everyone by the heart because we lost 6,000 people," she said. "But we all knew this war was coming. People are supporting American troops and the president, but I just don't know if they're going to buy flags this time."

She said flag sales peaked after Sept. 11, 2001, but then died off and they've never recovered.

"No one replaced those flags except the senior citizens," she said. Flags can be purchased at a number of stores locally, but if supplies are low, Anderson recommends The Flag Store, Sign & Here are some rules governing display and care of the flag:

-- The national flag should be displayed every day, unless weather conditions are severe enough to damage it.

-- It is customarily displayed from sunrise to sunset, but it is legal to fly the flag 24 hours a day. When flown at night, the flag should be illuminated.

-- An old flag may be displayed as long as it is in respectable condition. When no longer fit for display, the flag should be destroyed in some dignified way, preferably by burning.

-- The flag must hang free, either flat against a wall or from a staff.

-- The flag should be hoisted quickly and lowered slowly. It should be gathered and folded before it touches the ground.

-- When the flag is raised or lowered as part of a ceremony, or when it passes by in a parade or in review, all persons present should face it and stand at attention.

-- The flag should be folded carefully and put away when not in use. The flag should first be folded twice lengthwise to form a long strip. Then, starting at the stripe end, it should be given a series of triangular folds.