Patriotism still flying high in Tulsa

Since the attacks of September 11th, Americans have shown an unprecedented display of patriotism. <br><br>Anywhere you go, you can see flags flown from poles, from cars, and worn on our clothing. We talked

Saturday, March 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Since the attacks of September 11th, Americans have shown an unprecedented display of patriotism.

Anywhere you go, you can see flags flown from poles, from cars, and worn on our clothing. We talked to one local flag retailer who's never seen anything like it. Six months after September 11th, things are back to normal at Liberty Flags in Tulsa.

Jeff Jones says the days following the attacks were incredibly hectic as people scrambled to get their hands on a symbol of American pride and unity. "After 9-11, it was probably increased a thousand percent." Business at Liberty Flags slowed down again around the first of the year, but it's still about 50% higher than before the terrorist attacks.

The folks at Liberty Flags say that in 20 years of business, no single event has driven in more customers than September 11th. They sold out in a week. Even the Gulf War, didn't have people lined up outside for hours. "We had to close the door, form a line and just let a few in at a time to try to get everybody a flag and limit the number of flags people were buying."

With so many flags flying to show our patriotism, keeping old glory in tiptop shape is important. If you plan on flying your flag 24 hours a day, it should be lit up at night. And, check it regularly for wear and tear. A well-made outdoor flag should last about 90 days, less if it's flown night and day.

Remember that the American flag should always be flown higher than other flags beside it. Whether you're displaying a cloth flag, or a decal on your car, the star field should always be on the left as you're looking at it.