Flag sales soar ahead of America 250

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - In less than a month, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial anniversary, 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. For months now, Brian Schmunsler, the manager at Keith’s Ace Hardware, said he has seen a rapid increase in the sale of American flags.

“I started seeing it several months ago, where you would walk down the aisle that you normally have all your flags and they’re like, all gone,” Schmunsler said. “So, we’ve ordered more, we’ve ordered displays, but we’ve definitely paid a whole lot more attention to it.”

Schmunsler said he has seen more than a 100% increase in the sales of flags in his store. The increase has been seen nationwide, as Ace Hardware has developed new product displays for the holiday.

“We sell flags year-round, all the time, but this year is special and the increase in sales has quadrupled, at least, in what we’ve seen,” Schmunsler said. “We go from selling a flag here and there to selling multiple flags every single day.”

David Haight, a Navy veteran and volunteer at the Veterans One Stop in Waco, said the flag has a deeper meaning to him.

“This flag resembles so many things. To me, it reminds me of those who served and didn’t come back,” Haight said. “It also reminds me of the freedom that we have in America to vote.”

Tina Tillert, an Army veteran and volunteer at Veterans One Stop, said she wishes more civilians realized the significance of the flag and what America 250 means.

“I think it is very historic, very special and I think more people should be understanding this because 250th doesn’t come along every day,” Tillert said.

Haight had a message for the United States.

“I just want to say, happy birthday America. Two hundred and fifty,” Haight said. “I wish I could live half that long.”