During the American Civil War, different battle units were ordered to wear custom lapel pins to distinguish their units. This was a visual clue to help the army stay organized as well as promoting solidarity among them. They became very popular during this era and still are today. You can still find them and they are an excellent collectible item for keepsakes and family tradition.

The reason for wearing lapel pins changed during World War I and II. They were given to distinguished individuals to show their exemplary service. They were made of ribbons and bars. They can be simply die-cast metal or full of color. This use is still in practice today. They have become a highly valued and a collectible item.

Today, lapel pins given during the war times holds great personal value to the families of soldiers awarded these service awards. They are cherished by generations of their family and hold a historical value to them, passing them down to younger family members to get them interested in history and family genealogy. They are also a highly collectible item for collectors of war history.

Custom lapel pins today are also used in fraternities and sororities to distinguish different groups at their events and meetings. They are also worn by companies, organizations, government agencies and government services.

Many people showed their patriotism after 911 by wearing Flag pins. These pins are still popular even though the tragedy of 911 has long passed. The government also uses them as a way to communicate such as the President’s security agents and the US Secret Service. These government pins are changed each day and only a privileged few are aware of which one to wear on a certain day.

Today’s companies also use lapel pins as a way to recognize distinguished employees when they achieve an outstanding level of service to the business or achieve top sales quotas and other company related goals.

Lapel pins can be worn on the lapel or on the sleeve. They are often collected and traded like a person would trade baseball cards or other collectible and trading items. This has become very popular today.

So there it is! A little history of lapel pins, what they mean and reasons to own them. If you own some of these, consider yourself lucky and hang on to them. They are invaluable is some people’s eyes!

After 911 terrorist attack, the most  popular custom lapel pins, American flag lapel pins were commonly seen on the lapels of members congress, news anchorpersons and everyday Americans. As this style flag pins is a replica of the American flag, there are some protocols that should be followed when wearing the customized pin to ensure that you do not disrespect the national flag or those who have served under it.

1. Wear the American flag pin on the correct area. The pin should be worn on the left side of your body as this is where your heart is located. The pin will protect our heart as a small metal shield, somebody said.
2. Position the U.S. flag pin properly. The pin should be worn roughly 1 to 2 inches directly above your heart. If you are wearing a suit coat or a jacket with a lapel, the pin should be positioned on the lapel so that it is clearly visible.
3. Turn the American flag pin in the right direction. The pin should be right-side up and straight up and down. If you notice the pin crooked at any time, you should correct it so that the flag is “flying” sideways.