Prior to September 11 of last year it was considered quite stuffy, old fashioned and even politically incorrect (in some circles) to wave the red, white and blue. Now we see flags flying almost everywhere, and being patriotic is not only back in vogue, it's good business.

Patriotism touches hearts especially with seniors, most of whom are military veterans. All seniors lived through the terrors and problems caused by World War II and Korea, both abroad and at home. Boomers and GenX's also served in the military or lost loved ones through the Vietnam War years of the sixties and early seventies and the Gulf War of the early nineties.

Continuing terrorist events have everyone longing for simpler, safer times. Patriotic, nostalgic, down-home, country or farmland images really link to tender memories in just about everyone.

Grab hold of motherhood, brotherhood, apple pie, hearth and home in your ads, and you've got yourself a winner. Are you using any advertising themes that show appreciation for our military veterans? How about doing salutes to the local police, fire and rescue personnel?

Give flags as closing gifts, along with a copy of the rules for the care and flying of the American flag. Include the rules in your next newsletter, or e-mail the rules on patriotic holidays to your farm.

Solicit testimonials and comments from your clients with this type of background and show the community just how much you and your company appreciates their efforts and sacrifices.

Capturing these types of feelings in your ads will score big time with everyone in your market area. Nostalgia and customers now go together like sentence structure - the Past is Perfect, but the Present is Tense.

Published: October 18, 2002

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Gary Onks, founder of Sold On Seniors, Inc., is an author and marketing consultant who has been featured in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Times, CBS Radio Marketwatch, Microsoft bCentral and other publications. His book "How You Can Reach & Sell the $20 Trillion Senior Marketplace" is acclaimed as "the 'Art' of pleasing senior customers." Onks has sold millions in goods directly, one-on-one to seniors. His experience includes serving as executive director of a large retirement community and selling to seniors for over a decade. His trademarked Seniorized marketing methods deliver exceptional results. You can reach him at 800-416-8785, GaryOnks@SoldOnSeniors.com or at his website www.SoldOnSeniors.com.