Light Tribute

This is truly the first object I acquired that was the start to my collection. I purchased this in a store (name escapes me) on Main Street in Saratoga Springs late 2001 or Spring of 2002. The pictures don't quite illustrate what it is, but if you are familiar with the 50's car pictures with blinking tail lights you may see at a local diner or restaurant, this the same object. It is an interesting collection of images with the twin towers in the skyline and fire trucks and finally roses with a poem at the bottom of the picture. Lights blink on top of the towers and the fire trucks, bringing the picture to life in a way. This object is a mass-produced tribute item. I'm sure there could other connections evident. For example, I would think this type of object could be contrasted against the painted battle depictions or tribute art of the 18th or 19th centuries.

Rolling Tribute

One of my favorite objects, this model truck is a detailed replica of an actual semi-truck and trailer a MN truck driver created as a traveling memorial to September 11th. The model truck is detailed on both sides and even remote-controlled. The actual semi-truck is an example of the meaning September 11th took on for Americans everywhere, and the ways they connected with this tragic event. The toy replica is meant for those who can't own the real thing, and want their own rolling tribute. More thoughts to come on this object.



Here are some additional details about the story behind the actual truck that this was based on:

Their names are John & Amy Holmgren. They live in Shafer Minn. They thought this would be a nice tribute to the people that lost their lives. It has every name of each person that lost their life on 9-11. This concept was thought up by John and Amy, and totally paid for by them. John says he will be awhile paying the loan off that he had to take out to do it but, thought this was the least he could do. Applied Graphics in Fargo ND did most of the work and Paul Kosenski did the Hand painting. He said that he got to meet the Country Singer Darryl Worley, who Sang the song "Have You Forgotten" and has gotten pulled over 3 times by the police just to get their picture taken by this truck. (I would have pulled him over too!!) He plans on attending the Mid America Truck show in Louisville KY in March. I thought our employees may enjoy seeing the pics. It is called the Rolling 9-11 Memorial, it has all the names of the people that were killed on that day and the flights they were on plus some other graphics on the side of the Tractor.

9-11 Rolling Memorial Truck Pictures
Cab Picture
Cab Picture 2
Hood of Truck
Rear of Truck
Side of Truck
Side 2
Side 3
Side 4

Marble

A September 11th marble? This handmade glass marble features the Twin Towers inside. A perfect example of a household game influenced by this event. This item does vary from many others because it is a crafted item, rather than factory or mass produced.

Glowing Tribute

Lighters are definitely a common object to feature September 11th homages. I will be posting other examples in the future, but this one (like my very first post) is unique. The lighter features a built-in light that turns on when the top is flipped open. This light shines through a blue colored airplane shape on the metal case. The case features the Twin Towers and this almost angelic blue plane. The message here is an odd one. On one hand, it is clear that the America flag makes this lighter a patriotic object. On the other hand, why choose the plane to "glow?" The plane seems more a symbol of the weapon that impacted and destroyed the Towers. Why not choose the Twin Towers to "glow?" Maybe the plane is a religious symbol flying skyward? Another interesting example offering different interpretations.

Additional info:

I found a variation of this light recently that was offered for sale that featured a red plane instead of blue. The red light that lit up the plane would blink off and on. Here is the post that offered info on the light according to the seller:

I BOUGHT THIS LIGHTER IN MICHIGAN RIGHT AFTER 911. THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD.

THAT A CERTAIN COUNTRY MADE THIS LIGHTER TO PROFIT FROM THE 911 AND MAKE THEM SELFS LOOK GOOD. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FBI WAS CHECKING ON THIS. AFTER THAT YOU COULD NOT FIND THIS LIGHTER ANYWHERE. I HAVEN'T SEEN ANOTHER ONE. THERE IS AN AMERICAN FLAG ON BOTH FRONT AND BACK OF LIGHTER.--------------- THERE IS THREE SILVER STARS ON EACH SIDE OF THE PART WHERE THE FLAME COMES OUT. YOU CAN FIND OUT YOURSELF WHAT THE THREE STARS STAND FOR. ALSO WHEN YOU LIGHT THE LIGHTER THE PLANE LIGHTS UP RED ON AND OFF. SO IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLANE IS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE TOWERS. THIS IS A SICK LIGHTER BUT VERY COLLECTABLE. THE PLANE WILL NOT LIGHT UP NOW. I GUESS THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO REPLACE IT. I THING YOU HAVE TO PRY THE LIGHTER APART. I ALSO LET THE GAS OUT OF IT. JUST NEEDS TO BE REFILLED. THE LIGHTER IS STILL NEW IN ITS WRAPPER. JUST BEEN SITTING ALL THESE YEARS.

24K Gold Belt Buckle

There are numerous examples of belt buckles featuring September 11th. This example is a "limited edition" 24K gold-plated buckle. Themed or decorative belt buckles commonly feature many different influences, and September 11th would be an expected source.

County Fair Finds

Featured here are two ceramic plates purchased at the Otsego County fair. They are collectible items to be "consumed" and put on display as tributes.

9/11 fabric

There are other examples of September 11th fabric that have been available. Here is one that is simple in design. This is another example of an object that is for everyday use (more specifically, a material to be used for the manufacture of clothing or other related item). Some have argued with me that other events in American history have impacted or been reflected in consumer goods and material culture that compare in scope to September 11th. As I continue to post my collection, the evidence will show that this is incorrect, and September 11th is beyond comparison.

Patriotic garden gnome

Garden gnome tribute to September 11th. A tribute to this tragic event can now be incorporated into your garden. This example further illustrates the full extent that this event impacted material culture.

Frame and cell phone holder

A strange combination, this object features a combination frame and a cell phone holder. In fact, when your cell phone rings, the lights on the Twin Towers flash, alerting you to a call. The frame has the statement "in our hearts forever." Mass produced and somewhat tacky probably best describe this frame.

9.11 Trading Cards?

Featured in a black box, these Heroes cards feature the following line on the box: "They are not heroes because they died, they are heroes because they lived." Is this a striking tribute? In the form of a trading card, a connection to the all American baseball card, what do people first think of when they see these cards? The box offers a lunch with local fire departments, patches, and a striking World Trade Center image revealed by 15 subset cards. Is this commercialism or a new trend in mourning? By incorporating the victims of September 11th into a card, they are heightened in a symbolic, heroic manner, but at the same time, it seems to trivialize their memory.

Household Memorial

This decorative throw pillow commerates September 11th. It is hard to imagine putting this pillow out on your couch at home? Is remembering Septemer 11th becoming like many of our annual traditions, like Halloween or Thanksgiving? Will we put out our memorial items on September 11th, many of which are profiled here?

Investment for the future?

This commerative coin is about the size of a quarter, and features a Twin Towers cut out that can be removed and mounted on the coin base. The cut out is silver, while the coin is 24 KT gold-plated. This object is clearly meant as a collectible, and arguably an investment. The combination of coin, precious metals, and tribute seem to create a perfect marketing message for consumers. Because this object doesn't have an everyday use, it is a collectible, but it is unfair to label it strictly in this category. With the incorporation of September 11th into this coin, the object's message and call to action (to consumer or purchase or appeal) is altered dramatically. The cut out also calls to mind an alter-type symbol. In fact, the coin, with its contrast of gold and silver, and the cut out's mounting on the coin, implies an angelic appearance.

The American Game Offers a Tribute

Major League Baseball offered a September 11th tribute with this Rawlings baseball, which was used for the 1st pitch on the anniversary of this tragic event. The baseball was also offered as a collector's piece. The baseball features an American flag and red and blue stitches. Baseball, like any other business, incorporated tributes to September 11th into baseball games and in related elements (like equipment, baseball cards, etc).

Why was this specific item created? The original was used in MLB games, but this version was created to offer to general consumers. This ball creates a connection to the games commerating September 11th.

Collectible tributes

Department 56's tribute is only to be expected. A call to action in coming together after September 11th, this tribute brings a cast of different characters together. This assemble around the world, joined together by September 11th. The glass world, with a light built into its base, shines when turned on. Is this another religious tribute? Also, this object, like many others, makes a claim of donating proceeds to help those impacted by September 11th. A consumer who purchases this item could be buying this collectible because they see a connection between themselves, this item, and September 11th. This item is meant for the everyday America, far removed from the events of 9/11, but looking for a way to connect.

One more point to raise is what other events in American history had such an impact on American products and consumerism that Department 56, a business built on collectibles (Snowbabies, Christmas villages, Halloween villages, etc), incorporates a tribute to September 11th? Do Dept 56 collectors set this up with their Victorian holiday scenes? Do you surround your Snowbabies around the lighted globe to pay homage to this tragedy? Although these questions seem biting, they are honest and call us to think critically about something that may simply come in a box, but once opened, becomes so much more in meaning and message and connection.

Twin tower blades

Twin blades are a tribute to the Twin Towers. Featuring steel blades with an eagle handle incorporated, this double knife is hung on a wood shield. Is this tribute knife a call for revenge? A tribute made in the form of a cutting tool or weapon, what call to action is implied here? What message does this send? Who would buy such an item and how would they use it?

Mr. Potato Head Pays His Respects

An all American icon, Mr. Potato Head, has been taking on a variety of different outfits and even personalities in recent years. For example, Mr. Potato Head appeared as Darth Vader from Star Wars (I have to confess that I do own him). It only makes sense that he make a patriotic statement after September 11th. And, when you purchase this item, a donation is made to the "children affected by the September 11th tragedy." This item brings to mind a number of questions, such as: Who was this toy intended for?; How would a child affected by September 11th react to this?; How much money was donated?; What was the accountability for this statement?; or Was this a way to sell more toys? What are the motivations behind these types of corporate actions when we have such an event impact America life and culture? Couldn't a corporation just make a donation outright (which many did)? Maybe this gives the average consumer an opportunity to help make a contribution, while also purchasing a symbol of American pride. There are a number of ways to examine this object and the messages it conveys. Overall, I think it is fair to say that it is not simply a toy for our children to play with.

Memorial Flame

There are a number of objects that use light or flames to create a connection between the consumer (object owner) and the tribute item. Here is an object that is unmistakeable in appearance. This object would be more likely used during the anniversary of September 11th, and would also seem to be imagined sitting at a shrine of some sort to this event. I'm sure many will see the religious connection in terms of act and even meaning. Lastly, it does seem ironic that a company would choose to create such a tribute to house a flame/candle when the intense heat from the planes' impacts is what led to the collapse of the towers.

Model Car

September 11th's impact is clearly evident in all kinds of material culture. This tragic event also impacted sports and sporting events, including NASCAR. This model car is a replica of an actual tribute car.

911 lollipops anyone?

A candy mold offers the unique opportunity to take the tribute to the kitchen. Chocolate, candy, or other creations can be created. I wonder if anyone has carried this out?

Beanie Baby

Rescue is a Beanie Baby, and is one of a couple other 9/11 tributes.

Watch

This watch is a copy of one that was presented to President Bush. There are three inner dials that represent the two planes that hit the Twin Towers and the one plane that hit the Pentagon. The date is also stopped on September 11th. Would this be something that would really be worn?

Not Your Average Joe

Action figures have come a long way from the traditional GI Joe of the past. Here we have two poseable, fully equipped fire fighters. They even come with a flag and a plastic recreation of rubble at the site of the Twin Towers.

Make A Statement This Winter

A 9/11 scarf tribute. This scarf is made in the USA, and the lable emphasizes this fact. Much of the other September 11th inspired clothing is foreign made. You have to wonder who decides to make items like this?

Bevin Bell September 11 Rememering 9/11 Wood Handle

I don't know much about Bevin Bells, but this company's tribute is similiar in nature to many other companies.