I have been completely overwhelmed by the responses from customers and other readers to the "Someone Took Our Flag" email I sent following the tragedies of September 11. I received over 500 thoughtful responses with more arriving daily. Many gave me even more to consider, many were very personal, but all were appreciated. The prevailing sentiment was that we must stand united and strong for our country and our beliefs. The following are just a portion of the wonderful emails I received.

Thank you to all who took the time to respond. God Bless America.”

DeeAnne B. Anderson CEO

“I'm very touched by this message,as a young man at 20 years of age, I will be more than happy to fight this war. It's great people like you guys that have kept this country going. Keep america alive. love every american equally, and stand more than proud to be an american.”

“Thanks for the awesome message--I feel like you put a face on "webclothes"”

“Thank You for the email regarding your flag. It took courage to write the things you wrote. I too hope that you do not have to return active duty, but my family will be praying for you and the many others like you. Again, thanks.”

“Thanks for the thoughts, which made me feel so proud after having received some comments from a friend that I felt weren't up to our patriotic standards. I intend to check your site out again!!!”

“Very good e-mail, Dee…A Navy Vet”

“I just wanted to thank you for reminding us that there is more to who we are than the business we conduct. It is the small things like your message that show how unified, we as a people, are. Again I wipe tears away and know that all this sorrow is shared by everyone. Bless you!”

“Excellent message, may God bless you!”

“Thank you for your words. I have two friends missing and I can't seem to move on . Your words have helped. Go in peace of mind.”

“It is a lowly thing for people to steal and an American Flag at that. I am glad yours got replaced and is flying high. They can't hold we Americans down, not matter what they do. Thank you for your great "editorial" and may God be with you and yours.”

“This was a fabulous little piece. I am forwarding to others.”

“I must say that I do enjoy the emails, the humor, the friendly tone of the email that Web Clothes sends out. Today's was touching. I have heard on the radio, today, that you are not the only one whose flag was stolen. I would have assumed some yucky person stole yours because they were too lazy or cheap to purchase one. I now, sadly, know that some people are taking them and throwing them away. How sad that there are friends, neighbors and humans walking our streets not appreciating what we have. I have always been thankful that my ancestors moved here. I am so thankful to be an American that I cry at Baseball games during the National Anthem. In fact I tear whenever I hear patriotic songs. I cry harder now and I play them loud!”

“I believe you just put into words what the vast majority of American's (especially Mother's) are feeling. It is beautiful and the best response I've heard yet. Thank you for sharing it and for giving me the perspective I've been looking for.”

“Thank you for sharing your experience. I think this is what we all need right now. We need to reach out to each other. In this world of anonymous email solicitors, you now stand out as a human being and suddenly this big country of ours doesn't seem so big. You've reached out to someone 3000 miles away.”

“great e-mail and great story It is all becuase we weren't looking and its sad that we are forced now to look and watch.”

“I am an American who married a Canadian years ago and I moved to Canada, but I remain a USA citizen and my heart is always with my homeland. With grief in my heart, I watched and listened to the events of last week.....oh, so much sorrow and sadness. The USA news stations speak little of the real support from other countries, but I can tell you that everyone I speak with here in Canada is just as full of sorrow and disbelief as all of you must be...the difference is that you in NY see the "real thing". We only see the news reports. Many Canadians have observed the minutes of silence, have donated blood, have attended religious services and offered prayers and financial support; the Prime Minister has confirmed support for whatever President Bush sees fit to do now. Canada is very much a melting pot of immigrants from other countries, and regardless of where the Canadian resident or their parents have come from, they are all equally as concerned. I overheard a young mother in a mall in Toronto try to explain to her two girls that there are bad people in the world who have no respect for life; how do you explain that to a child when these terrible terrorists believe they were doing the right thing? Regarding the stealing of your flags....people sure are funny, aren't they? Obviously someone was so patriotic that he/she just had to steal your flag to show his/her patriotism. I remember once we had a plumber who stole a brand new unopened bottle of vitamins while he fixed our toilet! Human nature, there is no accounting for it! So why did I write this note....just my humble way of telling you and yours that all the world is hurting with you and those who have lost loved ones and friends in this event. God Bless not only America, but all of the world! May each of us adopt a new appreciation for every day of life; may we have more concern for the whole picture of life, not just our own selfish perspective (hold on to those stocks, support the economies of the world!); and let's pray that our world leaders, along with President Bush, make the right decisions and successful actions to eliminate terrorism against freedom in the world. Peace be with you.”

“I pray that God will be with us all. I I fully agree with what you have written and sent to me and the others on your list. God be with us all!!!”

“The only thing that I can say is that it really doesn't matter that your flag was taken or who took your flag. The flag is and was in your heart, mind and spirit and that is what really matters. And, hopefully that little flag waved proudly in front of untold numbers boosting their spirit and making them proud to be an American! God Bless America!”

“thank you for sending me this e-mail.”

“I liked what your CEO had to say regarding Tuesday's attack on our country.”

“Thanks for your email. It is the best one I have read so far. You go girl.”

“It was a great heartfelt piece, "Someone took our flag" ! I spent over an hour seated in my driveway on Friday evening at 7PM, with large red/white/blue candles lit, and a small waving flag in my hand. Our large flag flies from the mounting on our home, set back from the street. I waved my flag at passersby, and neighbors, and strangers on the larger street adjacent. The response was overwhelming ... horn honks, their own flags waving attached to vehicles, God Bless Americas, two thumbs up ... etc. When I left my "post", I attached a PEACE sign I had made from construction paper and my small waving flag to my mailbox. The next morning, my flag too, was gone. At first I was mad. Then I thought, well, perhaps someone couldn't find a flag to purchase, perhaps someone didn't have the money, perhaps they saw my larger, lighted flag and thought I didn't need two when they didn't have one. I prayed for the person who took the Flag, and I hope it is in hands of someone who really WANTED a flag bad enough to steal one. My only sadness was that this little flag had been with me for a very long time. It was the flag that my daughters waved at the Airport when their father came home from Vietnam. It was the flag I used when teaching my children to say the Pledge of Allegiance some 30-odd years ago, and it was the one I used to teach my grandsons the same wonderful Pledge. On September 1, it was one of 3 flags used to surround my 92 year old father's grave, a wonderful gentle man, who was a proud WWII veteran. So my prayer is that this Flag taken from me will find its way to capture the heart and love of its new owner, as it did mine. Afterall, flags can come and go, but the spirit of Old Glory remains in our hearts--even without the cloth to visualize! God bless you and the people at webclothing.”

“I, too, had written you to tell you how inspireing your words had been for me. I also forwarded your E-Mail to anyone I could think of...includeing my mother. I find it amazing how far-reaching our actions can be sometimes whne we least expect it. PLEASE let Ms. Anderson know what this has meant for my family. I wasn't aware of my mothers flag being taken or that it had been the one with which we used to morn my grandfathers death just a few weeks ago. A man, by-the way, who a long with my father faught for freedom and the American people. I am sad for all our losses, but knowing that we are not morning alone.....either for a loved one or a flag.....somehow helps.”

“As an IBO with Quixtar I appreciated your message and the fact that you're featuring red, white and blue clothing on your home page.”

“Thank you for this message. I am choking back the tears.”

“i'm glad to hear that you we able show your american side once again with another flag, we all have to stick together and be strong!”

“I wanted to thank you for this e-message. I truly appreciate your view as a mother, as a veteran, as an American. This is one of 2 or 3 e-mails I have received in the last few days that has made me feel comforted. Thank you for taking the time to share your message with you customers.”

“Thank you so much for the inspiration you provided with the flag story. We, individually, have to become more aware of those who violate the freedoms with acts of hate and mischief. Mischief because it can escalate into the violence against which our country stands. We have been united in spirit against those acts and towards love and caring for one another. Our prayers, also, extend to our leaders during this difficult time. It has been said that 'evil exists because good men do nothing about it' - may all the good men rise together to preserve those freedoms.”

“God bless you and all of the people at WebClothes. Love from the lower east side of Manhattan,”

“I thought I was the only one; I could only find one of those $2.99 flags here in Dayton, Ohio, just like yours. I went to work this morning, and came home for lunch to discover one of my neighbors apparently decided it was easier to steal my flag, rather than get …get one of their own.I know how you feel!”

“Thank you, Dee for your message. My brother is a National Guard reservist, he has duty this weekend and briefing about this situation, I am hoping to go with him to the Armory to donate blood...”

“I am sorry that you had to experience the down side of some Americans at this true time of solidarity. I can think of nothing lower than someone stealing an American flag right now. I hope that person realizes what a coward he or she is.”

“I was so impressed by what you had to say. It gave me a new outlook on this thing. I am so sorry about your little flag being stolen, we as Americans want to believe that at times like this people would be different,but I guess the world goes on, but would we want it any other way. We want things to return to normal, but as I have heard and I am sure you have too what is normal now. Thank you for sharing your heart and your life with the rest of us I am going to forward your e-mail to my e-mail list. God Bless You and God Bless America.”

“Thanks so much for sharing this story. As I try to believe and try to get others to believe when tragedy strikes, something GOOD is going to come out of this situation. Just think if your flag had not been stolen.....you wouldn't had sent such a wonderful uplifting e:mail! I've been down in the dumps since Tuesday, and tonight your e:mail was truly a blessing. Thanks again for sharing it!”

“Thank you for this email. I am moved to tears. I want to share a song that my 4th grade students wrote today, to the tune of God Bless America. Before I give you the words, I want you to know, I teach in a class with over 1/2 of the children from the middle east. I have a student in my class who's first name is Osama, and he wants his mom to change it. Now, sit back, and hum the tune to God Bless America, and picture 22 multicultural 9 year olds singing out with gusto to the words they composed: WE LOVE AMERICA, OUR FLAG FLIES HIGH. STAND TOGETHER, THROUGH TOUGH TIMES. LOOK ABOVE AND YOU'LL SEE OUR FLAG FLIES. FROM HAWAII, TO ALASKA, TO THE OCEANS AND GREAT LAKES...... WE LOVE AMERICA, OUR FAITH THEY CAN'T TAKE. WE LOVE AMERICA OUR SPIRIT CAN'T BREAK.”

“Boy, I can't tell you how much you just impressed me. I have been struggling with very similar emotions, from how to talk to my children (I have 5, and have been very direct with them about this) to how I can manage my grief and desire for retaliation.My husband was part of the infantry in Saudi during the Gulf War, and this incident has moved him to want to join again. I am struggling with my feelings about this...infantry is exactly what they are likely to loose in the event of a ground war, and all the analysts say ground troops will be needed. Just as you say, none of us can afford to adopt the attitude that someone else's Daughter, son, husband or wife should go and fight, not mine. My husband has some experience, and may well be better suited for the job than many others who may be moved to join. Also, an all volunteer force would be far preferable...My husband says that if some asked him how he could leave 5 children, his answer would be "How can I not? It is their future freedom we need to defend." ..How can I argue with that? Your letter was very eloquent, and I really appreciate knowing your perspective as a parent and a Veteran.”

“Amen thanks for your letter--here in Maine the colors are flying high and proud--i am glad that somone gave you a new flag to show the world our pride thanks”

“I read with great concern about your flag, and was very happy to know that you now have another one to fly high at your place of business. I too am a mother of 3 children, but probably not as young as yours, but I do have 2 very young grandchildren. I agree with you, let them know what's going on and don't be a coward ourselves in not telling them the truth. They should know the truth. I am a very strong believer in God and I know he will get us through this. There is a reason for all this insanity. We may never know what it is and then maybe we will. I am a very long way away from New York City or Washington, D.C, But as an American it affects us all. My heart truly goes out to everyone involved directly and indirectly in this tragedy. My prayers are with all of you in this time of tragedy. May God Bless all of you.”

“Thank you for the words of inspiration. I hope you don't mind if I pass your story along.”

“Thank you for sharing an experience which demonstrates why I am so proud to be an American. We may falter, and fall; we may be down; but we will never be out. I would like to share a quote by an unknown shared with us by our General. "To be born free is good fortune, To live free is an honor and a privilege, To die free is an obligation."”

“BEAUTIFULLY written!! It's no surprise that I love your web-site so much!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!”

“I just wanted to say that I so appreciated your message. My husband is active duty military, and it is wonderful to hear and feel the support that our armed forces are receiving.”

“Thank you for your e-mail message. I know how you feel, but just think of the poor person who took your flag, They stole a colorful $2.99 piece of cloth and they do not understand the true value of the flag. What a shame for them and for us”

“Thank you for that beautifully expressed story of patriotism, hope, and perseverance! Because of the LORD'S mercy and grace, we will stand together as a nation and fight for what is good. We will do what we must to maintain our freedom.”

“Thanks for this message. It helps.”

“As I read this I cried I have three children 11.8 and 21 months today.I could feel this so much even though we are miles apart and we not feel the impact as you have it has hit home hard we been lighting our candles and I kept the 11 year old home yesterday it has just gotten to him so bad.Our prayers are with everyone.What an excellent newsletter.Thanks so much.”

“Hooah and God Bless!”

“Thank you for the heartfelt message you sent me. It took me a long time to read it because I couldn't see the words through my tears. n we finally mend our broken hearts and our spirits, only then can we rebuild this nation, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

We will not be broken by this tragedy. WE WILL GO ON!!! “

“THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR LETTER ABOUT THIS. YOUR LETTER IS SO VALUABLE.I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND, BUT I PRINTED IT AND AM GOING TO SAVE IT ON MY BULLITON BOARD HERE AT HOME, AND WILL SPREAD THESE FEELINGS EVERYWHERE I GO. THANKYOU FOR PUTTING IT IN WORDS FOR ME.”

“God Bless you and all who work at your company DeeAnn. I am glad to hear that you got your flag back and some!!! Be encouraged, God is with us!!!”

“I am small and insignificant, and I am impressed by your emotions and your eloquence. It could not have been better said.”

“Thank you for your touching email. We all need to keep the flag flying and unite during this terrible moment in our nations history.God Bless!”

“I feel compelled to reply to your obvious heart felt message. I too am sickened by the events of 09/11 and share your concerns as a parent. As some what of a guardian of life and property myself, I share your obvious fear and frustration that ouir country was ill prepared to anticipate or prevent such a heinous act of cowardess. I am inspired by the messages of hope and caring that come from people such as yourself that are sent in the aftermath of this tragedy. It is more apparent than ever that there are caring people in our country that believe in what our nation stands for. I hope the person that took your flag has a mixed sense of pride and embarassment when they view or display it. A mixed sense that allows them to hear the patriotic drum beating in there head and a sick feeling in their stomach that reminds them that they have stooped to a level unworthy of the sense of pride that they are attempting to portray. May god bless us all in the coming months and years, and may the tie that binds us grow forever stonger. May we all be proud to be Americans and in turn learn to behave like decent human beings. May Senetor John McCain's word ring true when he said that "god may show(those cowards) mercy but we (the Great and honorable people of the USA) will not"... Thanks for displaying your unity and respect for the victims of this tradgedy. We are all victims of it to a certain degree.”

“What a warm and loving message of courage, hope, and inspiration. I have a company Domain and all of us have been touched some personnally by the death of loved ones others by the sheer terror we have just witnessed. It takes people like yourself to help us all heal.”

“I cannot believe through all of this horror going on in our country someone would take another's flag.My family has search all over our towns and neighboring towns for a flag.No one has them,so we made our own. I know it is not the same,and to most people looking at it probably not much.I am sure comments are made about how we cannot have a real flag,but like I said we cannot find any. Our love for the American people is in our small home-made flag,our support for the people who survived the horror of NYC and the pentegon are in the flag.And our sympathies for the families who lost loved ones in our tiny home-made flag. I am happy you were able to have a new one,to put all your feelings into the flag you wave proudly. And thank you for sharing your story with me,it will remind me even through all of this jerks are still out there.Let's hope though not as many as before.”

“Amen!”

“Thank you so much for this heartfelt message. I have forwarded it to my friends and family in hopes to give strength to get through this tragic time.”

“Thank you for your email. A very wise Rabbi many years ago said," If an individual can wield such power for evil, then the corresponding power certainly exists for good." Let us unite through acts of goodness toward each other.”

“I think I love you!! Your words are so beautiful. It brings a smile to my face when I encounter someone that thinks like you do! Thank you!!”

“So often when I do business with on-line retailers, I get NO sense of what the humans behind these retailers are like. I placed my first order with your site several months ago. Since that time, I have received emails that are the most personal and down to earth of any I have received from other retailers. I do a lot of on-line shopping, and you have earned my business. This most recent email was the icing on the cake. I am off to your website to hunt around.”