"Be it a publicity stunt or good ole-fashioned marketing, American Paper Optics placed what it describes as the world's largest pair of eclipse glasses in front of FedExForum to show Beale Street tourists and others walking by," the Commercial Appeal says.

"Unfolded, the 31-foot-long pair of glasses actually functions in protecting the eyes from the sun. The film, or lens, is 10,000 times darker than average sunglasses.

"Protecting the eyes is important, and can be accomplished by creating a projected image of the sun with a “pinhole camera’’ or by wearing the type of special glasses American Paper Optics makes."

"American Paper Optics, the world's leading manufacturer of solar eclipse and 3-D glasses, has built the world's largest pair of functioning safe solar eclipse glasses. Measuring at approximately 32 feet wide and 3 feet high, the glasses represent the magnitude of the event that John Jerit, owner and CEO of APO, fervently refers to as 'the largest event in the sky,' the Eclipse Glasses says.

"Not only are the glasses unique in size, but the fact that they are completely functional (meaning, people can stand behind them, look through the ISO-certified lens and safely view the sun) makes them that much more impressive. APO built the glasses to help the U.S. commemorate what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the more than 300 million people estimated to view the eclipse.

"The journey to building the glasses began in late 2016, when Jerit contemplated the most creative way to remember the rare eclipse for years to come. Shortly thereafter, the construction process launched into full swing. From meticulously creating the design to deciding on the appropriate specifications to ensure the glasses were in fact the 'world's largest,' the glasses have now made a clear statement – you don't want to miss Aug. 21, the day when people across the country will witness the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental U.S. in nearly four decades."

"American Paper Optics, the world's leading manufacturer of solar eclipse and 3-D glasses, has built the world's largest pair of functioning safe solar eclipse glasses. Measuring at approximately 32 feet wide and 3 feet high, the glasses represent the magnitude of the event that John Jerit, owner and CEO of APO, fervently refers to as 'the largest event in the sky,' the official Press Release said.

"Not only are the glasses unique in size, but the fact that they are completely functional (meaning, people can stand behind them, look through the ISO-certified lens and safely view the sun) makes them that much more impressive. APO built the glasses to help the U.S. commemorate what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the more than 300 million people estimated to view the eclipse.

"Those lucky enough to live in or who are planning a trip to one of the 12 states located along the Path of Totality will be among the many to witness the full total solar eclipse. Outside the path, viewers will witness a partial eclipse. This map outlines the projected viewership of the eclipse."

"American Paper Optics is the nation's largest maker of paper 3-D glasses: more than 2 billion pairs incorporated into magazines, kids' meals, theme park rides, and Blu-ray movies," the Inc.com said.

"The company also specializes in eclipse glasses that protect viewers' eyes from ultraviolet radiation. The first total eclipse visible across the nation since 1918 will roughly double the company's 2017 revenues, from $7 million to almost $14 million. Unlike most of American Paper Optics' products, which are given away in promotions or packaged with DVDs and toys, the eclipse glasses are being sold in stores and online, for $2 a pop.

"American Paper Optics has been making glasses in the Memphis area--the business is based in the city of Bartlett--since 1991. At Jerit's factory the work force has swelled from around 40 to 70 in the two-and-a-half years that American Paper Optics has been preparing for E-Day."

"Based on 33 years of experience and manufacturing over 200 million safe solar eclipse glasses, American Paper Optics launches a new "Get Eclipsed! – Don't Be Left in the Dark" Education Campaign to raise awareness of two upcoming eclipse events on October 14, 2023 (Annular Eclipse) and April 8, 2024 (Total Solar Eclipse)," the official press release says.

"Based on 33 years of experience and manufacturing over 200 million safe solar eclipse glasses, American Paper Optics experts will be educating everyone on the upcoming eclipses and where to get the best views. In addition, APO will share why everyone needs to wear safe solar eclipse glasses to watch both the 2023 and 2024 eclipses that will be seen across the U.S.

"APO CEO/Founder John Jerit says , "With over 32 million people living in the "Path of Totality" for the North American Eclipse (April 8, 2024), which is three times more than the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, the time is now to educate everyone on the "Ring of Fire" Annular Eclipse (October 14, 2023), that will serve as the 'warm up act for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse'. We don't want people to miss out on the record-breaking 2024 eclipse because there won't be another one like it until 2045.

"For the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse, Jason Lewin APO CMO adds, "88% of Americans watched the total eclipse in 2017 and the April 8, 2024, total eclipse is going to be even bigger. For this 'Super Bowl of the Sky', the 'Path of Totality' will cross 13 States, with millions of people having already made travel plans." Lewin, emphasizes, "While this is set to be an historic moment, we want to make sure that everyone is preparing accordingly. Take the day off, have a plan and make sure your glasses are MADE IN THE USA!"

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