A number of U.S. flag makers have stated that they will be stopping the manufacture and sale of Confederate battle flags. The announcement came as tensions run high after last week's brutal attack on black worshippers at a historic church in South Carolina.
Reggie VandenBosch, vice president of sales at privately owned Valley Forge Flag, stated that the company's decision was driven by social pressures that arose after the massacre in Charleston, reports Business Insider.
"We hope that this decision will show our support for those affected by the recent events in Charleston and, in some small way, help to foster racial unity and tolerance in our country," Valley Forge Flag company said in a statement, according to Reuters.
Valley Forge Flag, a 133-year-old company based in Pennsylvania, sells millions of flags every year. Confederate flags only make up a tiny fraction of that number.
Joining the trend is New Jersey-based Annin Flagmakers, the flag company that supplied U.S. flags for the Union troops during the Civil War. The company also made the flag that was draped over the coffin of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, reports Reuters.
Online retailers have also removed the flag from their online stores. Following the lead of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Ebay Inc., Sears Holdings, Kmart and even online retailer Etsy have all removed the Confederate flag from their products lineup, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Wal-Mart spokesman Brian Nick has stated the reasons behind the company's decision. "We never want to offend anyone with the products that we offer," he said. "We have a process in place to help lead us to the right decisions when it comes to the merchandise we sell."
"Still, at times, items make their way into our assortment improperly. This is one of those instances," Nick added.
