Bumper stickers, lighters, bandanas, key chains and screen savers all have one thing in common these days – the American flag emblem printed on them.

This leads me to question if the American flag is being placed on these items as a reminder of the patriotism throughout the country; or if we are merely cashing in on commercialism.

Shortly after the attacks, on Sept. 11 in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C, millions of flags were purchased and displayed by homeowners and businesses alike.

The demand for flags was so great that some factories simply ran out.

Such displays were more than appropriate after such a devastating blow to the United States.

Soon after, many more items were available to enable citizens to display their patriotism.

Many of these items were appropriate too – most linked to one of the many relief funds.

However, it has been five months since the attacks and the image of the American flag, as well as other symbolic images continue to appear on souvenir items such as T-shirts, hats, pens, mini-flags, postcards and even shot glasses.

Other items include bumper stickers, key chains, beach towels and jewelry. You name it, they make it.

You can’t walk into a store without being bombarded by patriotic displays.

This isn’t a display of patriotism – this is capitalizing on a market capitalizing on a national tragedy.

Before the events of Sept. 11 even occurred, people were patriotic – they just didn’t display it as obviously as a tattoo reading, “Hooray for the U.S.A.” or with a bumper sticker for each branch of the armed forces.

True, the tragedy has brought more awareness, and shaken the solid structure the United States felt it once had – but what is next? A G.I. Joe Uncle Sam?