PPAI • MAY 2026 • 33 information sources, was created and mailed to all members. By early 1976, nearly 5,000 proofs of the alternative emblem had been distributed. When The World Stopped Turning The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, triggered one of the largest waves of patriotic merch. Americans proudly wore apparel and products featuring rallying cries like “United We Stand” and “Never Forget.” American flag lapel pins became ubiquitous in media and politics. Patriotic merch provided a visible, shared way to process grief, demonstrate unity and regain a sense of control in the face of trauma. • PPAI participated in the Industry United campaign to fund a “gift of appreciation” to 9/11 rescue and recovery workers. Nine days after 9/11, President George W. Bush urged Americans to “go about your lives” as hiding in fear or disrupting their daily routines would be perceived as a victory for the terrorists. “I encourage you all to go shopping more,” Bush said in an effort to strengthen the weakened economy. So, they did. “After 9/11, we were so busy with USA-themed items that we were working 12- and 14-hour shifts to attempt to keep up,” says Don Girard, president and CFO of Dallas-based supplier National Banner Company. “We usually keep a good supply of printed and unsewn red, white and blue items in stock, so we had all we had to do was gear up sewing.” After 9/11, patriotic merch took on deeper meaning, according to Ari Ruden, vice president of marketing at Allentown, Pennsylvania-based supplier Royal Industries. “Many clients intentionally sought Americanmade items as a way to express unity and support for U.S. workers,” Ruden says. “We fulfilled a number of projects through large distributors supporting military and civic initiatives, and the messaging during that time was far more personal and values-driven.” America At 250 As the United States prepares for its semiquincentennial, domestic manufacturing has been in high demand, in large part due to President Donald Trump’s trade policy and push for made-in-USA products. “Patriotic merch resonates most when it’s produced here at home,” Ruden says. “For us, that connection between message and manufacturing is what makes the category meaningful. As we look ahead to America 250, we’re preparing by expanding our patriotic stock imprints across planners, calendars and other core product lines, and by emphasizing our long-standing commitment to union manufacturing in the U.S.” A 30-plus-year industry veteran, Steven Eckenrode, CAS, vice president of sales at Pennsylvania-based supplier Moderne Glass, says he’s never seen as much focus on patriotic products as he’s experiencing right now. “We’re seeing the America 250 celebration logos everywhere,” Eckenrode says. “They appear on the orders from the distributors, and we can’t walk through our production facility without seeing them. Most of these designs are unique and original.” Like many distributors primed to meet clients’ needs, Barker Specialty in Connecticut has stocked up on a curated selection of Americanthemed products, especially those made in the U.S. “The outpouring of patriotism around 9/11 was remarkable with virtually every business, school and organization desiring to show support for our country,” says Gerry Barker, president of Barker Specialty. “While there are clearly different points of view within the U.S. today, we’re anticipating a great amount of patriotic fervor surrounding the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.” Corrigan is deputy editor at PPAI A salt and pepper shaker designed and distributed for the U.S. Bicentennial (courtesy of Bankers Advertising). Moderne Glass has created several America 250 logos designed for the bottom of glassware. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, triggered one of the largest waves of patriotic merch. America Was Branded From The Start | Must Read
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