When workers at McKay’s RV & Marine Center in Holden reported to work Saturday, they were stunned to find that a huge, new American flag had been stolen, said Laurie Easton, a saleswoman.

“If you think about it, it’s unconscionable,” Easton said.

But after word about the theft got out on radio, something quite wonderful happened, she said. An older gentleman brought a carefully preserved flag to the business and said he wanted them to use it.

The aging flag had been on his father’s coffin, Easton said.

People at the business were touched, she said. Nonetheless, they decided to return the flag to him unused next week.

Customers who heard the story added their own, Easton said. One complained that a flag had been stolen from her father’s grave.

By Sunday, the McKay’s flag had not been located. And because police have enough to deal with these days, the business decided against reporting the theft, Easton said.

Flags have been in great demand across the country. Most retailers have no more to sell. Other groups, such as the American Legion, have handed out as many as possible.