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.

A Portion of the Proceeds

These three calendars focus on different images, but share a commonality in that all offer a portion of the proceeds to be donated to 9/11 victim funds. The telltale "portion of proceeds" relates an important marketing message and is motivator for consumers. Why do companies put this on their product? Couldn't they just make a donation without publishing it on their consumer goods? The label clearly is a sales pitch. What's a dollar when a paper calendar brings in $15? Is this an example of corporate greed and capitalism in action? A blend of consumerism and doing good.

Bobble Dreams: Complete with American Flag

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: A bobblehead doll, also known as a bobbing head doll, nodder, or wobbler, is a type of collectible doll. Its head is often oversized compared to its body. Instead of a solid connection, its head is connected to the body by a spring in such a way that a light tap will cause the head to bobble, hence the name. Read more here.

Bobblehead dolls represent a variety of people and characters. Giveaways at sports venues are a common use of bobbleheads. This bobblehead doll depicts a NY firefighter holding an American flag. This is a tribute that was offered after 9/11. There were a number of doll variations, ranging from a cop to eagle to lady liberty.

America Remembers September 11th

This hard cover tribute book is a Life publication. It was advertised as a commemorative or collector's edition. It was about $75 to purchase. A perfect example of the many objects that were strictly created as tributes to September 11th with no other purpose. Obviously, not a household object like other examples posted previously. This book is an example of a company "cashing in" on this event.

9/11 Portraits

A number of publications were created after September 11th, 2001. This book is a collection of the obituaries that were published in the NY Times about each victim of 9/11. The book was give to me by a friend whose brother died in the Twin Towers. His obituary is marked by her.

Baseball Cards for Your Album

These Topps baseball card tributes were available in 2002. The cards feature images of the different ways that September 11th was commemorated at MLB games. It was no surprise that September 11th was highly visible at baseball games and with collectible products like baseball cards. Baseball symbolizes (and inspires) American life.

American Chopper's Fire Bike

Not a great picture, but everybody knows American Chopper and has seen their bike creations. This toy model is based on a motorcycle created as a tribute to the firefighters that lost their lives in September 11th. The bike features steel from the World Trade Center and the number 343 for the firefighters lost. You can watch the American Chopper episode here.