There’s no better way to show your patriotism and pride than by wearing your country’s flag on your heart. A flag lapel pin is a classy and effective way to celebrate national identity and signify your country’s international friendships around the world. This article will explain the history of custom flag lapel pins, what these custom lapel pins mean and how to wear them.
What is a Flag Lapel Pin?
A flag lapel pin is a small, decorative accessory that features a flag - national, state, provincial or municipal - and is worn on a jacket to represent national pride or political affiliation. Flag lapel pins are made of a metal composite and stamped with a flag’s design, then filled with coloured enamel and buffed for a crisp and beautiful final product. A metal clasp on the back of the custom lapel pins allows for them to be easily worn on a jacket lapel or other article of clothing.
The Origin of the Flag Lapel Pin
The first notable appearance of the United States lapel flag pin, according to historians, was following the Second World War, when Americans began wanting a tangible way to show their pride. Small metal lapel pins with the US stars and stripes were mass produced and became a symbol of national unity for the post-war generation. Flag lapel pins were worn by veterans and civilians alike as a way of symbolizing solidarity and national unity. At this point in time in the history of US flag lapel pins, they represented collective identity more so than political messaging.
Evolution of Flag Lapel Pin Over the Years
A few decades after they first appeared in the United States, the popularity of American flag lapel pins began to grow. This was due mainly to Richard Nixon’s presidency when he and his staff - followed by his many supporters - began to wear USA flag lapel pins. These custom lapel pins became an important political symbol of pushback against anti-war protestors across the country. While the popularity of custom flag lapel pins dipped a bit in the 1980s and 90s, another shift occurred following 9/11 when they again became a popular and important symbol of national unity.
In recent years, flag lapel pins have come to represent an important symbol of political affiliation - a way to visually convey patriotism without using slogans. Custom flag lapel pins are now almost always worn by political figureheads, ambassadors and staff from the USA, Canada and countries around the world when attending diplomatic visits, political functions or media appearances.
Symbolism and Meaning of Flag Lapel Pins
Custom flag pins carry with them a variety of meanings and symbolism, depending on the city, state, province or city they are representing. Friendship flag pins, which often depict two or three different flags side-by-side, can symbolize trade agreements, international cooperation and other joint pacts between various nations. A single flag lapel pin can represent different themes, depending on where they’re from:
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American flag lapel pins have over the years represented unity in the face of crisis and since have become a symbol of patriotism and national pride.
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A Canada flag lapel pin can be worn as a political statement or simply to share your love for a beautiful country and its people, especially when travelling abroad.
Role of Flag Lapel Pins in Politics and Culture
Custom flag lapel pins have been a longstanding symbol of national unity in the US. Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, American flag lapel pins have become a powerful cultural symbol of political allegiance. Flag lapel pins are a common sight on Capitol Hill and amongst staff of the executive branch, and politicians who are caught not wearing a US flag pin could find themselves facing controversy.
Over the past 10 years, the role of flag lapel pins as a symbol of national unity has spread beyond the United States, in the following ways:
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Politicians and staff from Canada and many European countries now also wear customized flag lapel pins when making public appearances or diplomatic visits.
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In Canada, it’s common for provincial politicians to have Canada flag pins that also have their provincial flag represented.
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Multi-national flag lapel pins featuring flags from two different countries are known as friendship flag pins. These custom flag lapel pins often represent trade and other agreements between nations and are a popular item for embassies around the world.
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Rise of Enamel Pins and Customizable Enamel Pins
Custom lapel pins, including enamel pins, that represent political ties and patriotism have been growing in popularity for many decades.
There are many other kinds of custom lapel pins that have also seen a sharp rise in demand in recent years.
Custom corporate lapel pins - often representing a company’s logo or main branding elements - are a great way to market for profitability.
Charities and non-profit organizations are turning to customizable enamel pins to get the word out about their important work. Service clubs utilize custom lapel pins - often antique lapel pins or sleek metal finish pins - to recognize years of service and other important milestones.
Universities and other educational institutions create custom lapel pins to recognize academic achievement or to represent membership of a sorority or fraternity.
And most recently many artists from all walks of life have begun creating custom lapel pins from their artwork - soft enamel lapel pins especially, with their variety of options for colours and styles - are a popular choice among artists seeking to eternalize their work in a custom lapel pin.
How to Wear and Preserve American Lapel Flag Pins
Custom lapel flag pins are a great way to share your political pride, but what’s the best way to wear an American lapel flag pin? Follow these easy steps:
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Custom lapel pins are traditionally worn on the lapel of a suit jacket.
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The left side of the suit jacket is the appropriate place to wear an American Lapel Flag Pin - or any other country’s custom flag pin.
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The US flag lapel pin should be positioned to align with the tie knot - not too high or low on the lapel of the suit jacket.
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Be sure to only wear one custom flag lapel pin at a time - too many pins worn at once will distract from the pin’s overall impact.
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In less formal or traditional settings, custom lapel flag pins can also be worn on backpacks, hats, purses or other accessories. This is especially popular when travelling abroad to let people you encounter know where you’ve come from, by proudly displaying a Canada flag pin, or other custom flag lapel pin.
Conclusion
Custom flag lapel pins are an important symbol of national pride, unity and political affiliation that have become increasingly popular since they first appeared following the Second World War. US Flag lapel pins provide a visual statement of loyalty and values and have become a recognizable piece of the political landscape worldwide. The importance of American flag lapel pins can’t be understated - in modern politics and culture, wearing or not wearing a US flag lapel pin can be a political statement on its own.
If you’re on the search for custom flag lapel pins, order them from Ultimate Promotions. The team at Ultimate Promotions is ready to answer all your questions about custom lapel flag pins today.