Driving down Lincoln Avenue, the vast array of American flags line the street. Everywhere you look on campus and in Charleston there is red, white and blue.

The huge flag borrowed from Premier Boys’ State hangs high over Old Main. Cars are decorated and flags are displayed on campus buildings. The dorms, houses off- campus and Greek Court all display various forms of the American flag.

This sudden burst of American pride makes it hard to forget about the tragedy which occurred and even harder to forget how we took our freedom for granted. People themselves are wearing flag lapel pins and dressing in patriotic colors. Chants of `USA’ have even become a normalcy.

Bill Riebe, Charleston city manager said the flags along Lincoln and the flags along the square were done in conjunction with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.

“They did not have time to put the flags up so we had the city crews do it.” Riebe said. “We have had about 15 of these flags stolen and that is not normal.”

He said, “The mayor has written letters to offer volunteer efforts to help out in New York; we have made these gestures like every community has.”

“Various civic groups and a lot of campus groups, volunteer groups and churches have really come together.” said RIebe.

Cindy Titus, director of Charleston Chamber of Commerce said, “I think it is gratifying to see the flags out.”

“It symbolizes Americans for being known for helping out someone less fortunate.” said Titus.

She said they had to postpone the unveiling of the ornament of hope. “We were supposed to do it last Tuesday, ” said Titus. “It is symbolism of community pride and our nation pride.”

Eastern students reflect on their new feelings of patriotism. Larry Simmons, a senior education major said. “We sometimes forget the freedoms and luxuries we have and now that this has happened we can’t take it for granted.”

Simmons said, “People are forgetting about economics, race, religions and looking at the world being humans in America.” He said you see the flag everywhere from elementary schools to our campus.

Sara Klein, a senior hospitality major said songs mean more about the USA and what our country stand for.”

Colleen Klein, a senior marketing major and president of Panhellenic Council said, “Watching the community you feel proud that people are taking a stand to stand up for the country. “

She said, “I feel closer together and more a part of the community.” The two sisters attended the candle-vigil last Friday at Morton park to reflect on the tragedy.

Michael Buening, a junior math education major said, “At our apartment, we put up flags and back at home my family put up a flag.” He also said he has been wearing a Marines shirt on campus to show the reality of the situation.

Buening said, “Everyone’s actually coming together whereas now everybody is just one.”

People have printed out signs for their cars and have put flags on antennas of their cars said Allison Matlock, a senior marketing major. “I feel more patriotic and more strongly about our country.” She said she has also been getting a ton of e-mails about prayer services and other events to show our country’s pride.

Matlock said, “I feel more strongly about our country.”

Melissa Burns, a graduate student said, “It is so close to home, seeing all these flags up on the balconies of Park Place and in houses across the street makes me realize how close it really is.”

Brian Mitchell, a senior physical education major said, “You can definitely see people have been really supportive of America. It’s definitely different from some of the other natural disasters that have happened. It happened in New York and D.C. and there’s support everywhere.”

Mitchell said his family has put up a flag in front of their house.