DENVER -- A worker at Invesco field rescued bags of American flags abandoned by Democrats after the Democratic National Convention, McCain supporters alleged Saturday during a rally in Colorado Springs.

Supporters redistributed the 12,000 orphan flags to audience members before McCain's appearance.

The move was designed as an attack at Sen. Barack Obama's patriotism.

Democrats called the move a "cheap political stunt," and said that the still-bundled flags were not going to be thrown away, but were instead snatched from Invesco.

State Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak said the flags were likely leftover and denied the claim that the party left them behind.

DNC Press Secretary Natalie Wyeth released a statement calling the Republican's claims false.

"We distributed more than 125,000 American made flags at the Convention. The flags removed from Invesco field were intended for other events and taken without permission," Wyeth said. "It's disappointing that someone would take American flags without authorization and then falsely describe how they were being used. We have the utmost respect for the American flag, and it’s sad to see them being used for a cheap political stunt."

Veterans distributed the flags, but people in the front rows were asked to pass them back after the Secret Service objected, citing security concerns.

The flags were handed out to members of the crowd outside the hanger where McCain spoke.

“We want to find good homes for these flags,” radio host Dan Caplis said at the rally, adding that whatever flags remained would be placed at memorials throughout Colorado.