Tribute Mints

These mints are a unique object. They by themselves are not notable, but instead, of interest is the way they are packaged and the story related on the tin they are packed in. The tin relates the events of 9/11, and highlights one specific individual, Major Dwayne Williams, who died during the Pentagon attack. The tin also states that the sale of the mints benefits a memorial fund for his family. Each mint has a bible scripture message printed on the wrapper. Overall, a striking object that has a religious and patriotic message. Also, a perfect example of a household, everyday item that demonstrates the impact of 9/11. In this case, someone make the specific decision to develop a response to the events of 9/11 using mints. These mints accomplish the following: commemorate this tragedy, invoke patriotism, honor an individual and raise money.

Created With Steel From the World Trade Center

This steel plaque depicts the Twin Towers and relates that it is cast from steel from the World Trade Center. It is not clear to me who created this tribute medal, but it is a very unique object. There are definitely other tribute items that were created form actual WTC steel, but they are few in number. I have posted another tribute plaque that may make such a claim. There is no questioning the above plaque's claim of being cast with WTC steel, especially since it is cast (or engraved) on the backside. Supposedly this plaque was very limited and given to families of the victims of 9/11.

This is an object meant for those who want to connect with WTC and September 11th. What better way to feel a connection than owning your own object created with actual steel from Towers 1 and 2. A very simple object with a powerful message and association. Also, it offers a strong motivation for buyers. I have seen this object listed for as much as $1000. I'm sure people paid that much. Not me of course.

Source for Inspiration

The influence of September 11th appears in many ways. This "miracle cross" necklace was inspired by the warped steel beams that remained at the site of the Twin Towers, which resembled a cross. Again, here is an object whose purchase conveys to the consumer a connection to the Twin Towers and September 11th. This items has an obvious religious implication too. Overall, a unique object that is a direct creation of September 11th.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.