Wearing Aviator Sunglasses Means You are a Patriot


by Jane Worthington - Date: 2008-11-04 - Word Count: 381 Share This!

When people think about the different symbols that represent the United States of America, they most often envision the stars and the stripes, the Statue of Liberty, and professional sports games such as baseball and football. There is another item that is just as patriotic as these are however, and it is not the chili cheese covered hot dog. This item is also appropriate all year round so you do not need to box it away in the attic until the Fourth of July. If you are ready to show your true patriotic colors, then you need to own a pair of aviator sunglasses!



Most people do not automatically think of aviators as a symbol of the USA. However, these shades have played a very important role in this nation's history! Today, many celebrities wear these oversized shades because they love the look. However, the first use of these sunglasses was for a practical purpose: that of reducing the glare for Air Force pilots during World War II.



The US government approached the optical firm Bausch and Lomb in the mid 1930's inquiring about a pair of sunglasses that would help their Air Force pilots see more clearly while they were up in the air. The result was the first ever pair of Ray Ban sunglasses in 1936. These Ray Ban sunglasses were teardrop shaped and utilized new anti-glare, polarized technology. The lens itself was three times the size of the average eye- socket and it was convex so that it could protect the eye from glare coming from any angle.



Aviator sunglasses were an instant hit with Air Force pilots and the other branches of the US military soon requested these sunglasses for their men. A famous photograph of General Douglas MacArthur shows him landing on the beach in the Philippines wearing a pair of Ray Bans.  This photograph made them an instant hit with the civilians back home.  Famous generals are not the only individuals who promoted these shades over the years, however. Tom Cruise and the other actors wore them in the 1986 film "Top Gun", giving these sunglasses a huge comeback.



Isn't it great to know that wearing these great frames means you are showing off your patriotism?  Support your country and go purchase a pair yourself!


Related Tags: aviator sunglasses, ray ban sunglasses, sunglasses history

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