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CHARLOTTE – Flag sales are peaking with the Fourth of July weekend. Companies that sell flags say they’ve taken a hit because of the economy, but now they’re capitalizing on the patriotic holiday.

Conder Flag Company Manager Barry Austin said the economy has impacted sales year round, but typically sales soar from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July.

"In terms of U.S. sales, this has always been traditionally the best time of year," said Austin.

Austin said this June was no exception. Even members of the fire department need an American flag.

"I have a flag pole in my home, and I keep a flag in good standing throughout the year. The other one is weather beaten, so I came by to pick up a new one," said Charlotte firefighter Lamar Lee. "I'm very patriotic. I don't know if it's because the job I do or the situation we're in with the troops overseas. There's a reason to keep the flag flying."

Neighborhoods began showing patriotism earlier this week; every yard on one street is marked by American pride.

Some flag companies said the largest spike in sales came after the attacks on the World Trade Center Buildings on Sept. 11.