It’s been six months since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and reminders are everywhere on the net.
Every second site seems to have some sort of icon or section commemorating the attacks and the thousands who died.
While a respectful sign of remembrance is fine, there is increasing controversy over the internet users who are looking to profit from the events.
A quick search on eBay brings up a huge range of items for sale that are tied to the attacks, from World Trade Centre jigsaw puzzles to commemorative dollar bills and pictures.
New York City officials have asked eBay to remove all items from its site that relate to the attacks, saying the memorabilia is exploiting a tragedy.
However, eBay said it wasn’t likely to.
The story of the passengers on United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania prompted singer-songwriter Neil Young to record Let’s Roll, a tribute to the passengers and their heroism.
The song has been made available to radio stations and on the internet. The inspiration was when passenger Todd Beamer was heard to say “let’s roll” as he and others tried to stop the hijackers on their plane.
Let’s roll has since become something of a national catchphrase. Even US President George Bush has repeatedly used it to rally Americans in the war on terrorism.
The foundation set up in the name Todd Beamer wants to trademark his last known words and make sure any money made off the phrase goes to families of the victims.
Also in the race to trademark the phrase are companies and individuals who want to use the inspirational words to sell some not-so-inspirational products ranging from T-shirts to mudflaps.