Wednesday, September 21, 2011

911 Diary







This appears to be a September 11th tribute diary. The packaging features red and blue, while the diary has the phrase, "You're always in my heart." This was a pretty common phrase after 9/11.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

9/11 Coverage Continues on The Daily Show: 9/11 Wine Makes Another Appearance

The Daily Show continues the examination of 9/11 and its impact. In the video below, The Daily Show drives home the point that we have lost sight of the lessons learned from 9/11, including an opportunity to better understand each other and other cultures. In their segment, Lieb Cellar's 9/11 wine made another appearance. I'm sure all the other companies and manufacturers of 9/11 tribute items are silently cheering on the now famous 9/11 wine. For example, the maker of the 9/11 sweater (featured here) is probably asking: how can I get Jon Stewart to wear my colorful tribute? Forget that it is a women's sweater. And the maker of the Twin Towers knife featuring two blades is wondering how to get The Daily Show staff to wave it proudly in the air. Or maybe just use it to open an envelope.





Colbert Report Covers 9/11 Tribute Items: "Shopping Griefportunities"

Steven Colbert highlighted some 9/11 tribute items on the Colbert Report last night. He highlighted a handful of interesting items, but only scratched the surface regarding the extent and number of 9/11 related goods. As I have documented and discussed here, September 11th had a tremendous impact on consumer and household items, which were available for sale across the US. With the 10th Anniversary, we are seeing an influx of new items, but there have been such examples for the last 10 years. In fact, there are many odd and sometimes offensive items that I have collected and highlighted here. Regardless of the object (or motivation for creating it), this is an important part of American history that should be captured. Thank you to Steven Colbert for bringing some humor to a very sensitive topic.


Monday, September 12, 2011

Twin Towers Silverware






































Holpp's Lodge silverware featuring the Twin Towers and the word America on each piece. The silverware is enclosed in a patriotic package. The package also relates: "Portion of Sales Will Go To NASAR SAR Dog National Association For Search & Rescue."



This silverware is a striking tribute item, and is a great example of the impact of 9/11. One has to wonder if someone would really use this in their household.

September 11th Tribute Ties























Two tribute ties from Save the Children. One is titled "Reach for the Stars" and the other is "All About the Twin Towers." Each tie features a design created by a child.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Washburn Tribute Guitar





















A recent find, but not added to the collection, this tribute guitar is definitely of interest. Simple and example of impact of 9/11 on even music and instruments.

Description:
This guitar is a Washburn D2001PWH, serial number SC02021852. It was created in memory of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Washburn made them in red, white, and blue, and only made 100 of each color.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Danbury Mint "Twin Towers" 9/11 Commemorative Figurine







































I will be the first to say that this is a striking model, created by the Danbury Mint. This model is very detailed, and features a decorative plaque quoting President George W. Bush:

"We will not waver, we will not tire;
we will not falter; and we will not fail.
Peace and freedom will prevail."


The object is not unique in terms of being one of many examples of commemorative items (some of which I feature here in my collection). I do wonder the purpose of such an item. I would guess that someone who purchases this tribute would display it in their home. But there is more to this Twin Towers model. People buy this object to feel connected to the memory and event of September 11th. It makes the tragedy of 9/11 into a tangible, consumable object.