American flags fly on vehicles at Milton Ruben Chevrolet on Washington Road. Many people have bought and flown the flag this week. ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF

Mary Hendry, owner of Georgia Flag & Pennant Manufacturing Corp. in Evans, said her office had sold at least 200 American flags of all sizes since Tuesday.

''We've had quite a run on them,'' she said. ''Every little stick flag that I had in stock, the little tiny ones that you wave around - they're gone. And I stock quite a bit of those. I can't even keep up with my messages.''

Mrs. Hendry said purchases of flags at her office have surpassed the demand she experienced during the start of the Persian Gulf War a decade ago.

Carla Thomann set up a memorial sign in her front yard on Stillwater Drive in memory of the victims in Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the two cities. JIM BLAYLOCK/STAFF

''I think it's more,'' she said. ''I think a lot of people are mad and they're looking to support the nation.''

At Fat Man's Forest West in Evans, owner Ann McRae said she, too, is noticing a sharp increase in American flag purchases.

''I have one left in stock,'' she said Wednesday, adding that her store had 30 flags Tuesday. Mrs. McRae said her store already has ordered 120 more flags and is receiving large requests for yellow ribbons and red, white and blue ribbons from area churches.

Mrs. Hendry said she has flags in stock, but is expecting to have to order more within the next few days.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 110, or prestonsparks@newstimesonline.com.