9/11 Flag of Honor

 

 

I purchased this flag at the gift shop at the 9/11 Memorial.  Right, I said gift shop.  There is a retail experience at the 9/11 Memorial, but it is low key (especially compared to what's out there and what I've featured here).  The store carries mostly books and simple gift items.  I picked up this flag because I thought it pushed the envelope a little.  It features the names of all those who perished in 9/11.  Their names make up the stripes of the flag.  It also highlights proceeds will be donated to 9/11 charities.  That seems a little open-ended, and as I've highlighted in my collection, there isn't much (or any) accountability for corporate donations to 9/11 charities from the proceeds of various tribute, commemorative and memorial items.  I do want to clarify that it is my understanding that many of the 9/11 families like this flag.  If the families took issue with it, I'm sure it wouldn't be available for purchase.  Regarding the gift shop, I don't take any issue with its existence.  The 9/11 Memorial and soon-to-open Museum have operating expenses, and a retail operation allows them to generate earned income to go towards these costs.     

September 11th tribute purse: The Sak

9/11 tribute purse/bag made by The sak.  It features a label with "IR Sp 01." The bag features the American flag with a weaved pattern. 

United Cutlery Corp 9/11 Tribute Knife

September 11th tribute knife offered by United Cutlery Corp.  Packaged in a patriotic box.

Champion Song: September 11th Fund

Here is a tribute song, "Champion," from Oleander.  All the profits from the sale of the song were donated to the September 11th Fund, which is printed on the CD and CD case.  The CD case features the American flag and a group of firefighters.

"Remeberance Day Sept 11th 2001" Duck Decoy

 Here is a tribute duck decoy by Patty Martin (signature) from Stoney Point Decoys.  This decoy incorporates the American flag, and is red, white and blue.  Another great example illustrating the widespread impact of September 11th.  The impact and reflection of 9/11 through material goods is clearly significant. 

September 11th Postcards

There are too many examples to count of postcards. Because of the simplicity and cost of producing them, examples like these will continue for years and years (and have already- 10 years out and counting). My brother and his wife sent these examples to me. I didn't even realize I've never posted any postcards yet until today.

Lenox Flag for Freedom Mug

Flag for Freedom mug by Lenox. These mugs feature the flag and gold detail on the handle and rim. The bottom states "God Bless America" and United We Stand." A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these tribute mugs was donated to the Twin Towers Fund.

United We Stand Memorial Doll

Here is Betsy the tribute doll in her special patriotic outfit, including sweater with "Old Glory." This "Petite Porcelain by Barbara Lee" is housed in a box featuring the flag. The packaging also relates that the company will "donate 100% of its profits realized from the manufacturer and distribution of this doll to the World Trade Center Relief Funds." Is that a call to action or what? This doll fully reflects the impact and influence of 9/11, as well as how it was used as a motivation for the sale of goods and consumerism.

Phone Cards

These phone cards were available right after September 11th, and reflect the call for patriotism that spread across the US (and in all forms of household goods). Before 9/11, I'm 99% certain phone cards didn't have a picture of a baby wrapped in an American flag or the words "United We Stand" in bold.

*These particular cards supposedly are from a NYC firefighter who worked at Ground Zero, which is possible since these are complimentary.

9/11 Poker Chips

Tribute 9/11 poker chips set. The influence and impact of 9/11 is even seen in the gaming sector.

Personally, I'm not sure about playing poker with a set that commemorates September 11th. Maybe other people have a different perspective.

Terrorists Can Shake Our Buildings Sweater

A patriotic sweater featuring the phrase: Terrorists Can Shake Our Buildings But Never Can Touch America's Foundation. The sweater has this phrase intertwined with the American flag. This is a unique item, and the second sweater featured in my collection. Like the other sweater, this household item could be purchased by any consumer and worn. It also is visible proof of the impact of 9/11 on all forms of material culture. This sweater could simply have had just an American flag pattern, but a specific decision was made by the corporation producing it to incorporate a statement in reference to 9/11.

Painted Slate Tribute

9/11 tribute painted on a piece of slate. Another great example of a tribute object incorporating American symbols (eagle, flags, colors and firefighters). The item features the classic fire fighter pose of raising the flag that was captured at the WTC site and now has been featured in print and every other format across the world.

Hand Painted Uncle Wobble Doll: Just Has A Ring To It

This Uncle Sam figure, like many other objects featured here, is a direct result of 9/11. Patriotic items flooded the stores everywhere after 9/11, and American symbols like Uncle Sam, the flag, eagle and the colors red, white and blue were incorporated into everything. This example features an Uncle Sam (aka Uncle Wobble) doll dressed up in his patriotic best, which is then packaged in a bright red box featuring the American flag on one side. Over the top you say? No, a truly fitting home for this American symbol. It is worth pointing out that many of these objects were produced over seas. Here the awkwardness ("Uncle Wobble") of the package is hard to miss.

Car Flag

Nothing was more symbolic of 9/11 than the mounted car flags that suddenly became visible everywhere. Here are two examples.

Patriotic Band Aid

This patriotic band-aid came out shortly after 9/11. Clearly influenced by September 11th, these band-aids feature a patriotic pattern. A great example of a household product too. As stated throughout this blog, 9/11 was more than a tragedy, but has and will have an everlasting impact on material and consumer goods.

America Rising: United We Stand

A striking poster tribute to 9/11 showing a firefighter with the phrase "America Rising United We Stand." The poster was printed by Mead and also has the jostens logo.

Special Edition Rescue Heroes Toy

Billy Blaze toy, part of the Rescue Heroes action figures. Special edition example that incorporates American flag on the figure in recognition of true heroes like fire fighters, medics, etc. This toy was introduced after 9/11 and can be directly attributed to the event.