#Brands want to make sure you #neverforget 9/11

Today marks the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, when members of al-Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people with a set of coordinated attacks in New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksburg, Pa. As one of the most tragic and significant dates in our nation’s history. For brands, 9/11 is more than just a day of remembrance; it’s also an opportunity to shill their products and raise awareness on Twitter. Inevitably, the majority of these (hopefully) well-intentioned tweets come across as tactless instead of poignant. Below is a collection of some of the most groan-inducing “never forget” brand tweets.

Fleshlight

Fleshlight, a company that sells sex toys for men, went with a solemn image.

Today is 13th anniversary of 9/11. We remember those lost, & honor those still fighting for freedom. #911NeverForget pic.twitter.com/W0yFU73L7V— Official Fleshlight (@Fleshlight) September 11, 2014

Gun Manufacturers

What’s more American than 9/11? Guns, of course.

(Credit to comedian Joe Mande, who retweeted these messages of remembrance from an assortment of weapon manufacturers.)

Restaurants

The Already Deleted

Too late, brands often realize that their tweets about 9/11 might not be all that well received and as a result they delete it. Unfortunately for these companies, Twitter is forever.

Most Offensive Tweet: And the Winner is…

Most of the previous tweets aren’t actually trying to sell you anything. That’s not the case with Bikram Arlington, a Bikram Yoga studio that used 9/11, hidden in the context of Patriot Day, to offer a discount.

via Bikram Arlington/Twitter

But wait, there’s more! Bikram Arlington eventually deleted its tweet, but not before trying to defend it, and eventually conceding that they were wrong.

The goal was to point out what date it was and associate to patriotism and to remember it. Its a shame some of you go to the negative.— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

Our apologies to anyone who is upset by it!— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

If you want to be upset, research the term ‘911 building 7’ and check the news because they are hearing “chatter” about us getting hit again— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

So, I’ve made a horrible mistake that was unintended by sending a badly worded promotion today, so again I apologize. – Frank— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

I wrote that stupid post at 1am with yoga brain. I’m sure some of you know what I mean. Z fought against it don’t blame her!!— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

The intention of the sale was to honor the memory of the many members of our family, community and our nation that we lost.— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

Please accept our sincerest apologies, we did not mean to cause any harm to anyone.— Bikram Arlington (@bikramarlington) September 11, 2014

Have a solemn day of remembrance, America!

Fidel Martinez is an editor at Fusion.net. He’s also a Texas native and a lifelong El Tri fan.