Yumans show support with patriotic symbols

People in Yuma are displaying symbols of patriotism in light of Tuesday's terrorist attack on the United States.

Employees at Gilpin's Construction Co. pooled their money Wednesday to buy a banner that says “God bless America.”

“We're sitting here in Yuma, Arizona. What can you do?” employee Diana Bingham said. They decided to show they care, she said.

People are also buying American flags, Wal-Mart has set up an American flag display for its customers and “they're selling very well,” said Gary Chrisman, a co-manager of Wal-Mart.

“It's bringing out the patriotism in people,” he said. “It's time for us all to rally together in these hard times.”

Banners Plus donated 15 American flags to Cibola High School, Banners Plus employee Elizabeth Harrison said. The school had planned a ceremony for the victims of the attack at a freshman football game Wednesday night against El Centro-Southwest.

Banners Plus sold three flags Wednesday.

“We've never sold three a day,” Harrison said. “For a town like Yuma, it's a lot.”

People who called local radio stations Wednesday morning urged others to display their flags in a show of support. Some wanted flags at half-mast.

Several people have called Kmart inquiring about flags, according to store employees. Cathy Hildebrand of Kmart said flag sales have gone up.

“They said they were very angry and they wanted to buy the flags because of what happened,” she said.

Flags Etc. had sold several flags, stickers and pins. One customer said it's unfortunate it takes a tragedy for people to show their patriotism, employee Daniel Martinez said.

“It seems so surreal,” Chrisman said. “It hasn't really sunk in yet. I never expected it here in America.”