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Tuesday, September 25, 2001
By Marylynne Pitz, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
After searching unsuccessfully in more than a dozen stores for an American flag, William "Butch" Barringer decided yesterday to have one etched on his right arm.
As Veronica Delaney wielded a needle, Barringer, 55, of Sheraden, became one of five customers taking advantage of a tattoo parlor's offer this week of free and reduced-cost tattoos of Old Glory.
"I think it will be really awesome to see all these people wandering around with all these flags on them," said Delaney, owner of South Side Tattoos in the 2200 block of East Carson Street.
Delaney said the store is offering free flag tattoos, and reduced prices on more elaborate designs, as a show of patriotism.
The tattoo parlor did not advertise, but three men and two women received flag tattoos yesterday.
"We were kind of excited that the girls were doing it as well," Delaney said, adding that the women got flags on their lower backs.
"If you wear a hip-hugger pant, it would be seen right above it. In the professional world, it is something that would never be seen," she said.
Delaney, who is buying Island Avenue Tattoo in McKees Rocks, plans to offer free flag tattoos there next week. Barringer, a warehouse worker and 31-year member of the Teamsters union, became teary talking about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"I think of all the grandmothers who lost their grandsons and all the firemen who can't go fishing with their little boys anymore," he said.
The tattoo parlor's employees wanted to do their part to support America in its fight against terrorism.
"You see all the firefighters helping," Delaney said, adding that her offer is a fun, positive approach.
The average price for an American flag tattoo is $120, Delaney said.
Depending on what a customer chooses, the tattoo parlor will reduce the overall cost of a more elaborate tattoo $60 to $80.
It wasn't Barringer's first visit to a tattoo parlor. He got one while serving in the Army from 1963 to 1966.
"We weren't at war then, thank God," said Barringer.
The old tattoo, a rose and Barringer's name, had faded, and he decided that a new tattoo should cover it.
He sat for more than an hour as Delaney created a bald eagle, two crossed American flags and the words "God Bless America."
Normally, the bill would have been $179. With one flag "on the house," Barringer spent $125 and saved $54.
A week ago, Barringer and his wife, Janet, searched for an American flag while on a fishing trip to Lewiston, N.Y. But demand had outstripped supply.
During a four-hour trip, the couple stopped in Wal-Marts, hardware stores and groceries, but could not find flags for sale.
After the terrorist attack, Barringer camped in front of his television, constantly switching channels and hoping to hear of more rescues in the World Trade Center rubble.
"I just wanted to see one more pulled out for the firemen's benefit. I wanted to hear the cheers from them when they pulled somebody out."
As he leafed through a magazine titled "The Day That Changed America," Barringer said, "When they raised the American flag ... that's one photograph that will live forever."
William "Butch" Barringer, 55, of Sheraden, shows his new tattoo that he got at a discount from South Side Tattoos yesterday. Barringer said he could not find a flag to buy, so he decided to get a tattoo. (Bill Wade, Post-Gazette)