09/11 Liberty Bell Pin

[Buzz2001]

I didn't know that this pin was going to be distributed at TDS. I was under the impression that it would be at the parks. It does have the (c) Disney on the back too.

[doombuggy]

I beleive it will be at both the parks and the stores in the US.

[Luv2Roam]

The pic shows there is a Disney (c) on the back.
One post on Dizpins stated their store was handing them out on Sept 10, so guests could wear them Sept 11.
So I am not sure if it will be Sept 10 or 11. Guess I *have* to go to the store both days, just to make sure! ;)

[JamesD]

Our local Disney Store has gotten a shipment of 500 of these special Liberty Bell pins. The CMs have been instructed to only give them out on Wed., Sept. 11th, one per guest, no purchase necessary, until they are gone. If they are handing them out early, it's because they can't follow directions!

[SueEllen]

and even though it has the Disney copyright on the back, this is NOT a tradeable pin at the parks or at the stores. They have made this explicitly clear to the stores. And yes, James is right, it is to be ONLY given out on the 11th.

Sue Ellen

[Brise Nannie]

After I saw this post I called my TDS and they were "closed mouth" about the subj. I didn't know it was a secret. :confused: I'll be there bright and early on Wed. My TDS does know how to follow instructions. ;)

[doombuggy]

This is not an advertised pin "event." There will be no signs and such. It is a nice rememberence of the day, our freedom, and those that help us achieve that freedom in the past 200+ years.

When you go into your local Disney Store that day, to make a purchase, and pick up a pin, please remember Marianne MacFarlane, a Disney Store CM that died that day on her way to Disneyland.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." Walt Disney

Semper Fi~

[JudithM]

Originally posted by Brise Nannie
After I saw this post I called my TDS and they were "closed mouth" about the subj. I didn't know it was a secret. :confused: I'll be there bright and early on Wed. My TDS does know how to follow instructions. ;)

Deb, I find it a bit distressing that the Disney Store is being so "closed mouth" about these pins. One would think that Disney would want their guests to be aware that these pins will be available in remembrance of a very sad time in our lives, in our history.

[KathiWithAnI]

'

[eye R.N.]

Quite specifically, that our store was NOT giving out the pins until Tuesday late afternoon. We can only hand pins to adults although you may request one for the child that is with you. You will be reminded that it is a pin and not a toy (I guess this is to with any claims that a child stuck themselves with a pin)

Hope this helps folks.

[SueEllen]

Deb, I find it a bit distressing that the Disney Store is being so "closed mouth" about these pins. One would think that Disney would want their guests to be aware that these pins will be available in remembrance of a very sad time in our lives, in our history.

They are following instructions that the info is not to be shared with guests in advance. My guess is that it is because they don't want to PROMOTE attendance at the stores that day for the pins--that is not the point of the pins, and Disney doesn't want it to seem that way. I feel that NOT telling guests in advance is a good thing (even though the info obviously got out in advance :rolleyes: )

Kath, I didn't see the notice to start late on the 10th as I have only worked one shift since finding out about the pins.

Sue Ellen

[luv-2-travel]

The memo states the pins are to be given out beginning on the afternoon of 9/10 allowing people to wear them on the 11th.

[musashi]

Sadly, some of the pin traders have already started to turn a nice gesture by the Disney Co. into a circus (calling and demanding that the stores put some on hold for them, asking" what's the limit? Can I have 5 or 6? And EXACTLY what time are you giving them out? Will there be a line?) And they're already on Ebay...I tell you it just makes me sick...such an incredibly sad and dark day in our history, and some people are trying to make a profit on it...I wonder what would have happened if there were Pearl Harbor pins, or JFK pins...:( I guess throughout (recent) history, people have always tried to make a buck off of tragedy...

IT'S JUST A PIN!

Whew...sorry, I feel better now. Someone just stole my Stars and Stripes Mickey antenna ball off of my car, so I'm a wee bit annoyed right now...


MUSASHI

[Luv2Roam]

musashi -- I am not surprised. I told them at work yesterday that I could probably find it on Ebay already.
:rolleyes: ;)

[Engr-Chas]

Is it just me or is going to the DS on 9-11 just for a free pin wrong?

I have been thinking about it and feel weird about showing up at the DS and asking for a free gift that commemorates a national disaster for the sake of getting a pin.

I was trying to think of anything that I need to buy at the DS right now and frankly can't. I have bought things there just to get the free gift, but it just feels wrong in this situation.

(Yes folks, Hades does have a conscience and it eats at him like the little creature in Alien)

Just my Opinion.

Engr-Chas
Lord of the God Bless America!

[n2mm]

Tonight is pin trading night at our store. So we'll be there for that and hopefully will get the pin so that I can wear it to work tomorrow. I think it's such a nice gesture, but as always, there are those who will turn something nice into something ugly. So sad.

[doombuggy]

Musashi, you are right on. Fortunatly, we don't usually get this at our stone. Nobody ever comes in to pin trade on Tuesdays (I wear my own laynard with trades on it whenever I work that night, which is not often), and we have tons of pins, especially that green PA state pin.

I had my stars & stripes MM topper stolen last October. I had bought it about this time last year, and it was only on for a few weeks. When we got more, I bought one and put it on the rear dashboard, where it can't get stolen.

Engr-Chas, you are right on, too. Thanks for having the courage to say so. While I cannot see 500 people coming into our store in one day, if they did, it would reek havok on our numbers. Yes, there's a box that counts you each time you enter and exit the store. It compares that against sales. It really is a tough job.

JMO.

Semper Fi~

[Willowwind]

Well, I had planed to take a drive over to the closest DS to me sometime tomorrow, but after reading this thread curiosity got the best of me. So, I polled the 5 closest stores to me to see when they would start giving out the Pins. All of the stores polled are within about 45 minutes of my home.

3 Are starting today 9/10,
(1 began at noon, 2 later in the evening)

2 will start 9/11 morning.


1 CM I spoke with had no clue of what I was talking about and had to ask the manager. 2 Guarded the information closely but I was able to pry it out of them. 2 very sweet and willing to let me know.


I found it very interesting how the different stores are handling it in their own way.

Also interesting "The Disney Insider" says that the pins are being given out "the week prior to 9/11. Not such inside info eh?


P.s. NO that does not mean I'm going to 5 stores. You all just made me wonder what the right day was and when I should go :)

[Brise Nannie]

I have spoken to a CM at my TDS and they will not be giving out the Liberty Bell pin until 5pm tonight.

[BeautyLLM]

Well, I went to the mall today, and wandered into TDS like I always do when I go to the mall. As I was looking at the 50% off table (FYI...lots of nice sweatshirts..red hoodie with Grumpy $17), the manager came over and handed me the pin. She explained that they were giving a pin to each guest to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11 and then she moved on and said the same thing to another guest. Well, I have to tell you that I wasn't expecting to get the pin til tomorrow, so she took me by surprise and I have been teary eyed ever since.

What a horrible and sad day we are commemorating. Shame on the people who are grabbing up these pins and trying to profit from them...

We all have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for.
Hug someone you love tonight.

[JudithM]

Leslie, you & I might be some of the few guests who received this pin today. I was at my Disney Store today before 2 p.m. You wouldn't believe how many guests were there waiting for pins - so much for confidential information. Anyway the four CMs started to hand out pins when the phone rang. The person on the other end said to stop handing out the pins until tomorrow. Believe me the CMs were not happy. I felt bad for them.

[musashi]

Amen, Engr-Chas.



MUSASHI

[BeautyLLM]

Judith, Are you saying that the phone call was someone telling the store to stop handing out the pins? Not a good idea...tomorrow will be a mad house for them. My store was relatively empty, there were only a few people shopping, not lining up for pins. Like I was trying to say in my previous post...shame on people turning this into a circus...they should have some dignity and some respect.

JMHO

[MaryJ]

I went into TDS today and just browsed for a while....looked at pins etc. No one approached me with the Liberty Bell pin. I had been meaning to order a Beauty and the Beast DVD and decided that today was as good a day as any to do so. When I paid for the DVD the CM handed me the pin and said "We are giving these to our customers today to commerate 9/11. Guess at our store they are only giving the pins to those who make a purchase.

[JudithM]

Leslie, yes the phone call was from another Store Manager telling the CM about a very recent email from home base (in California)saying to wait until tomorrow to hand out the pins. I am sure the CMs are going to get a lot of grief from guests expecting to pick up this pin today. the mall & TDS may have been busier than usual because there is no school today - it is primary day. Yes, I did vote!

[mickey4ver]

Let the pin stand for what it is, a remembrance of all those who lost their lives/family members/loved ones/friends on the most horrible of days.

To stand in line or whatever just really isn't what it is all about, take a look at the big picture and realize the many things we have to be greatful for in our lives, and having the pin is a nice gesture and remembrance item, but to look at it in any other form is just plain heartless.

And if a guest comes in just to get a pin and is really upset that they can't get one or the time of giving them out has changed, then they are the ones who need to stop and think about it and look into their own hearts before they go off on the folks working in the Disney Store. Think about those that are no longer in this life after that terrible day, and put that against how much a pin is worth. JMHO

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Mickey4ever - you have expressed exactly what I feel!!!

I have been reading the various threads about the 9/11 pin and promised myself I wouldn't get involved in any of them, but it has come to a point that I can't keep quiet. I know I will probably get blasted by certain posters for what I am about to say, but you know what? - I don't care.

The "frenzy" that pin collectors have created in the desperate need for this pin by calling stores trying to find out EXACTLY when these pins will be distributed , and even those who unbelievably have put the pin up for auction on ebay for profit is, to me, a slap in the face to the memory of every person who perished in the tragedy. Why? 9/11 should be a solmen day - one for us all to remember all those whose lives were lost, one for family and friends to grieve for their loved ones, a day for communities to come together as one - NOT A DAY TO RUN TO A STORE FOR A STUPID PIN. I, for one will not be going tonite or tomorrow for the pin. Sure it is a nice pin, but it is more important to me to spend my time thinking of the friends I lost at WTC, not standing in line at TDS.

And for those who are putting the pin up for bid on ebay, and are not donating the money you make to charity - I hope you can live with yourselves.

Sorry for the rant, enough said :(

[Luv2Roam]

I called the Omaha store before noon and asked when they were giving the pins out. She just said later today.
After work, I did get one. But only because she had told me over the phone. After she spoke with me and right before she was going to start handing them out, she also got a phone call that said WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW!
She thought it was only right to give me one since she had told me she would.
But I did buy something!! GREAT BARGAIN!!! HOLD ON TO YOUR LANYARDS! Waiting ----
Their trinkets are $2 each if you buy five. I bought FIVE pens, that sell for $10 each. I only paid $9 (+tax) for all FIVE!!!
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
Great little stocking stuffers! I may buy more!! ;)

[MeanLaureen]

Well we called over to our Disney store to see if they were handing out pins tonight or tomorrow. I really didn't see it as creating a frenzy by doing this. All I wanted was a pin that I could wear to work tomorrow.

Honestly, and I don't mean anything bad by this so please don't think I am criticizing cast members because I know it's not your call.. but I think it was wrong of Disney to hand these out on the actual day of the tradgedy. These should have been handed out a week ago so that they could be proudly worn on 9/11.

And as far as the pins showing up on eBay, I noticed that almost a week ago. But please don't tag greedy customers as the people doing this. We didn't have access to the pins. Those auctions must be by, or have been assisted by, cast members. Just like when I see Hallmark Keepsake ornaments on eBay a week before they have been made public. I know that must be a Hallmark employee being underhanded.

And just to let TDS cast members know that I sympathize with them.. I work for Hallmark and it's been all over the national news that you can get the bells to ring on 9/11 at Hallmark stores. As you can guess.. we didn't get any bells nor had we ever heard of this promotion (and my chain is 500 stores strong) So we can understand the feeling of upset customers. (although they have been surprisingly understanding)

I'm with Chas on this one. It was a nice gesture of Disney to create this pin but it does seem out of place and running to the mall for a freebie on 9/11 is not anywhere near the top of my priority list on such a sad day.

[JudithM]

Lauri, well said ...

I feel bad for the CMs who are working today. Disney homebase changed their procedure at the last minute which puts the store CMs in an awkward position at a very difficult time.

[3kids4me]

I personally hope that there are so many pins, that it doesn't become a situation where people are trying to "collect and sell" or even trade them. That would, to me, ruin the spirit of the whole event. I realize it costs Disney some money to do this, but do hope that all stores have enough pins to satisfy anyone who wants one, and not create a shortage that would cause that kind of frenzied situation.

I can't help but feel the same way about the few fantasy pins I have seen that have "9/11" printed on them. It just makes me sad that someone would use 9/11 to profit in any way.

[Willowwind]

We did go to TDS tonight for pins. My husband is giving blood tomorrow and very much wanted to wear it, as did the children to school.

I was told that the only reason I was able to get it tonight (9/10) is that I had called and asked about it earlier. But since my call the policy had changed.

The cast member mentioned that tomorrow at TDS there would be no music, no promotions, and that they indeed hoped, no rush for pins. She blamed CM's with loose lips on creating a "frenzy" among pin traders and said that many were worried about the reprocussions TDS might feel when they were just trying to do something nice.

[mickey4ver]

I do want to say that I don't think there is a thing wrong with anyone going to receive the pin or even wanting one...that to me is not the issue...it is those that always turn something around that is sacred and do what I consider the unthinkable and want more than a couple, call on the phone and act rude and the list goes on.

And I agree, that those on ebay would have to most likely be CM's from somewhere....that is sad to me....that given a company gives something symbolic and a gesture of love in a saddened time, that someone immediately has to make a profit on it.

Ok, now my vent is done:D And my post was not intended to be mean spirited to the majority of the people here posting, but more in a general sense. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was pointing a finger at anyone in particular, that was not my intent.

[Dar20]

From Disney's web site:

"Disney Store Commemorative Pin
In remembrance of the anniversary of September 11, Disney Store has developed a cloisonné pin of the Liberty Bell. The pin will be distributed to Disney Store guests during the week leading up to September 11 and will be distributed to all domestic cast members on that day. The pin is attached to a card featuring a quote from Walt Disney and a message encouraging VoluntEARism as a way to help the country continue to heal."


I went to my local Disney Store at lunch (the mall was a ghost town, incidentally - strange for lunch), and asked if they had the pins at the counter. They had them in a small box, and I was given one with no problem. It's a nice pin and card. I'll probably frame it with some of my other patriotic pins. They also had a poster on their store window that looked just like the card and pin.

Dar

[Dom13]

This pin should not be traded or sold. This pin should be GIVEN to those that for whatever reason were not able to get one. To do anything else with this pin is wrong.

[n2mm]

I sure hope I don't see one in someone's trader bag next week at the pin event. I might lose it.

[Willowwind]

Originally posted by Dom13
This pin should not be traded or sold. This pin should be GIVEN to those that for whatever reason were not able to get one. To do anything else with this pin is wrong.



Okay, just to play devils advocate here. What if someone bought the pin? I mean, assuming with all of them that are up on ebay being sold as "Cast member exclusive" (and there are a bunch)somebody out there who wasn't "in the know" is going to end up paying for the pin.

If that person wanted to trade their pin is it still as "wrong"? I mean geeze, the poor schulb would have already been "taken" once because he had to buy the thing. Now he's going to be labled immoral because he's willing to trade it?

Please!!! It's just a pin!

[Luv2Roam]

Have to say I go along with Willowwind.
And you don't think people didn't bring in family members, friends and relatives and get extras? We would fall in a dead faint if they didn't.
DH and I both got one. I hope he wears his. He admires some pins, but I don't recall him ever WEARING one.
If it sits around and rots, I know of a few special pin people I would like to gift it to. I would even have a hard time deciding who. But if this does happen, it would be our pin and we can do with it what we want.
It is just a pin, even though it is very symbolic in meaning.
Do I think people should be selling it for high dollar? No. But not everyone has high values, and that is life.
It is not unusual to see traders in WDW with hoardes of the same HTF, LE sold out pin. Do I like that and approve? No. It turns me off and I wouldn't want to trade with them even. But who would I be to give them a piece of mind?

[taysalyn]

Here are my thoughts in case someone is writing this down...

I went to TDS today (mall of america) and went straight to the lime green boas. I grabbed one and started walking towards the pins. A CM approached me and handed me the pin. I acted surprised and thanked him. I then looked at some pins, grabbed a couple and walked around a bit. I then, went to look at the antenne toppers and picked up the pink one with Princess on it. The same CM came over and handed me another pin. I told him I already had one and he just waved his hand and said 'Don't worry about it.' Again I thanked him and simply checked out. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Should I be upset with the CM that was giving away two pins to one customer? Should I be upset with myself for taking the second pin? To be honest here, I did take it with the intention of trading. But after reading some very good points here about the meaning behind the pin, I have decided to give it away at the event if someone asks me for it. It will be on my trade lanyard but I will not trade it. I was not planning on getting the second pin and so since I have it, I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Anyway, bottom line is I feel previous posts have stated it clearly. This pin is not to be traded or sold! I will not be trading for it or buying it. Had I not gone to TDS to get my own, I wouldn't have bought it or traded for it either. Thank you for straightening me out. You guys are the best!

[Mickey527]

I agree with all of you, this pin is a symbol for us use to remember those who were are no longer with us due to the hatered of others. We should look at this pin and remember our freedom and not profit from it.
Just as those who are selling bricks from the towers should not be profiting from such a terrible disaster.
I am going to post this on another topic, but I went to my TDS tonight to get a pin for myself.
I met the CM on a boat from the MK to WL last July. Her 3 young boys were wearing lanyards and I gave each of them a few pins. I had no idea who she was, although she did look very familiar. We talked for a while trying to figure out how we knew each other until she told me she was a CM. Then she told me where. What a small world.
Now every time I go into TDS she and I chat about her son's pins and how they love their "pin friend."
Today when I walked into the store she saw me and gave me a pin. She then asked how many people I had at home and I told her 3 boys. She gave me pins for them, then said "give these out to your friends on the pin board who don't get them."
So, I have some pins and will be happy to GIVE them to anyone who needs one with one stipulation. You keep it for yourself, and when you wear it you say a prayer for those who died on 9-11. Peggie

[coachlad]

My daughter called from Arizona and said she got a "Liberty 9/11" pin at TDS there. I was happy for her, because here in Idaho our closest store is over 400 miles away. I do understand and welcome the posts of "DIS" pin people saying NO TRADE and NO SALE and am proud to be a DISney pin trader. Unfortunately there are people already posting "Disney Store 9/11 Pin" on ebay, since I was a member of e-bay and had access to write the seller I wrote and told her "Shame on you, this is bad karma." I am sure in my travels to WDW and other Dis events I will eventually gain posession of the "Liberty 9/11 pin" if not, then like I always say, "I don't deserve to have it." You make me proud DISsers!!!

[doombuggy]

I worked for 2 1/2 hours yesterday, and we did not have a lot of foot traffic. Most people that I handed pins to were surprised and said thank you. Several told me how nice the sentiment was (a quote of Walt's from WWII). A couple of people immediately put the pin on. It's these people that made me smile! We only had one person come in and say "where's my pin?!" which I found to be quite rude (fortunately, she did not address me). When I left, we still had at least half of our allotment left, and they are probably still giving them out today.

A cast member from one of the Boston area stores named Marianne MacFarlane was killed last September 11, while on her way to DL. We saw her name and photo on CBS yesterday, as they read the names of the lost at the WTC. Please keep her family in your prayers. Thank you.

[Mr.MouseFan]

Call me a doofus, but I never knew about the pins. I went to TDS on 9/12 and was completely caught off guard when the CM approached me with the pin. I think it's a great gesture on behalf of the Disney company.

[cats mom]

I didn't know about the pins in advance either -
I really wanted to meet my DH for lunch 9/11
We let my 4 yr. old DD pick the spot - mall food court (she LOVES the carousel there)
Stopped by the DS and were given the pins. I thought it was a really nice gesture.
My DD and I wore ours - DH gave me his as he is not allowed jewelry at work.
We stopped by our local book store on the way home (another favorite spot of ours) the clerk commented on our pins - said he really wished he could have dressed in red white and blue like we were (white shirt and tie dress code) I pulled my DH's pin out of my purse and gave to him.
He was thrilled - I felt really good too!
Much better than trying to profit by selling or trading I think!

[mmouse52]

It is very distressing to see people on ebay selling these very meaningful pins for profit. How very nice of any of you giving them out for free. One wonders what was learned from that horrific day. As a New Yorker who had a friend down there that day who came home alive it makes me wonder how any person can want to make a profit on these pins. Disney did a nice thing that day. It is also upsetting to read that these pins are being sold by cast members. Needed to vent.... Thanks..