Showing their support

June Casagrande

In times when almost everyone needs something to cling to,

Newport-Mesa residents are finding comfort in a swath of fabric -- one

that proudly displays 50 stars and 13 stripes.

About 60 people lined up out the door of Nikki’s Flags on Friday were

waiting patiently in the hot sun for this most-universal symbol of

patriotic support for those fallen in Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.

“It’s worth it to show support,” Newport Beach resident Suzy Tanner

said. “It shows people that we care.”

The store has been selling between 300 and 600 flags each day, ranging

from small hand-held flags to large house flags. A shipment of car flags

is expected Tuesday.

Shortly after noon, Nikki’s employee Susan Montapert predicted the

store would be sold out in a few hours. It has been selling out daily,

despite the six to eight cases of flags coming into the store each day

since the crisis began.

“What a response,” store owner Gil Lukosky said. “This is just a

tremendous outpouring of support.”

Tina Benso drove all the way from Corona in hopes of buying a flag

before they sold out.

“It’s very emotional just to stand here,” Benso said, still fervent

after about 40 minutes in line.

Flags flying throughout Newport-Mesa are waving such messages of

mourning and hope. The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce lined a stretch

of Pacific Coast Highway with American flags. Homes and organizations

like the Elks Club Lodge flew huge flags that, in some cases, drew crowds

of onlookers. Newport Sailing Club members took their sentiments to the

sea, flying flags in a special formation-sailing service.

“It’s a way to show the flag at sea in honor of those who gave up

their lives for this country -- the police and fire officials, the

citizens, everyone,” said Robert Duck, owner of the sailing club. “We

felt that showing the flag in the harbor was an important gesture.”

At Newport Beach City Hall, the flag pole became a gathering place for

staff and elected officials at a noon ceremony.

“We’re torn up about what’s happened,” said Derek Bullard, a Tustin

resident waiting to buy a flag pole at Nikki’s. “Patriotism is important

now.”