| When people think about the different symbols that | | | | the air. The result was the first ever pair of Ray Ban |
| represent the United States of America, they most | | | | sunglasses in 1936. These Ray Ban sunglasses were |
| often envision the stars and the stripes, the Statue | | | | teardrop shaped and utilized new anti-glare, polarized |
| of Liberty, and professional sports games such as | | | | technology. The lens itself was three times the size |
| baseball and football. There is another item that is | | | | of the average eye- socket and it was convex so |
| just as patriotic as these are however, and it is not | | | | that it could protect the eye from glare coming from |
| the chili cheese covered hot dog. This item is also | | | | any angle. |
| appropriate all year round so you do not need to box | | | | Aviator sunglasses were an instant hit with Air Force |
| it away in the attic until the Fourth of July. If you are | | | | pilots and the other branches of the US military soon |
| ready to show your true patriotic colors, then you | | | | requested these sunglasses for their men. A famous |
| need to own a pair of aviator sunglasses! | | | | photograph of General Douglas MacArthur shows him |
| Most people do not automatically think of aviators as | | | | landing on the beach in the Philippines wearing a pair |
| a symbol of the USA. However, these shades have | | | | of Ray Bans. This photograph made them an |
| played a very important role in this nation's history! | | | | instant hit with the civilians back home. Famous |
| Today, many celebrities wear these oversized shades | | | | generals are not the only individuals who promoted |
| because they love the look. However, the first use | | | | these shades over the years, however. Tom Cruise |
| of these sunglasses was for a practical purpose: that | | | | and the other actors wore them in the 1986 film |
| of reducing the glare for Air Force pilots during World | | | | "Top Gun", giving these sunglasses a huge comeback. |
| War II. | | | | Isn’t it great to know that wearing these great |
| The US government approached the optical firm | | | | frames means you are showing off your |
| Bausch and Lomb in the mid 1930’s inquiring | | | | patriotism? Support your country and go purchase |
| about a pair of sunglasses that would help their Air | | | | a pair yourself! |
| Force pilots see more clearly while they were up in | | | | |