Lapel Pins and Group Identity

Lapel pins can say big things in a small space. Long a staple of American life, pins appeal to a basic human desire to belong to a group, to fit in. Ever since cavemen learned the benefits of living in tribes instead of every person for themselves, group bonding has been a central part of human existence.

For that reason, lapel pins are popular with many different groups, including fraternities and sororities, businesses, government and military organizations worldwide. They’re a quick identifier, signifying "I belong."

In military use, pins date back to at least the Civil War, when they were introduced as a way to identify soldiers that belonged to specific units and foster unit cohesiveness. By the early 20th century, lapel pins were used more selectively to honor distinguished performance in battle.

Civilian organizations have also adopted the humble lapel pin for both identification and honorary purposes. Fraternities and sororities on college campuses nationwide rely on pins to indicate membership in their organizations. The pins, often with the Greek initials of the organization on them, are a cherished symbol of membership, a primary part of the member’s identification with the group.

Other fraternal organizations also use lapel pins to denote membership. The Square and Compass logo of Freemasonry is one such pin. Service clubs such as Rotary International also use pins as an identifying symbol. Once again, the lapel pin promotes group identity and bonding among individuals.

Businesses also have adopted the lapel pin, often as a means of honoring employees for an outstanding achievement, or for having attained a specified number of years of service with a particular company. Especially when presented at a ceremony in front of peers, recognition lapel pins can show that a business values its workers and their dedication. Combined with ongoing daily recognition efforts and other morale-boosting activities, such a ceremonial presentation helps foster a deep sense of loyalty to the organization.

Ribbon lapel pins are another means by which people can show their affiliation, usually to a social or political cause. The yellow ribbon became a symbol of support for the 53 American hostages held in Iran for 444 days between November 1979 and January 1981.

Ironically, the yellow ribbon image was taken from a Tony Orlando and Dawn song about an ex-convict released from prison. The singer wrote his girlfriend that he was being released, and that she should tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree in front of the house if she wanted him to come home. If he didn’t see the ribbon, he would "stay on the bus, forget about us, and put the blame on me." But the girlfriend surprised him with a hundred yellow ribbons tied around the tree, signaling her desire for him to return.

In December, 1979, Penelope Laingen, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree on the lawn of her home in Maryland. Laingen’s husband Bruce was the senior U.S. official being held hostage in Iran. Yellow ribbon lapel pins became popular in the 1990s as a show of support for U.S. troops in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. They also are a common method to show support for U.S. soldiers currently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The yellow pins led to other custom pins in various colors, representing other causes. Red ribbon lapel pins, for example, represent heard disease awareness and fundraising efforts, while pink symbolizes breast cancer awareness.

In the past decade, many Americans started wearing flag lapel pins as a way to show their patriotism and solidarity. The U.S. flag pins remain popular today, a symbol of a strong America.

The humble lapel pin, although small, represents big ideas. It’s an ideal way to convey group involvement, membership, patriotism, even support for a cause. Lapel pins are available to suit virtually any group or individual need.