If you watched the 59th U.S. Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20, you might have noticed one common accessory on multiple attendees: 3M’s N95 respirators.

Specifically, the Aura Particle Respirators 9205+, a model produced in the U.S. as part of 3M's ramp up of production of N95 respirators in response to the pandemic.

“Our daughter watched with us, and she probably grew tired of me saying, ‘Look! There’s a 3M N95! And there’s a 3M N95!’” said Robert Kearley, a manager with 3M Government Affairs.

Of course, it wasn’t due to chance that the respirators were on site: Robert worked with the bipartisan Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to make sure there were respirators available for attendees.

In addition to donating a case of respirators for the inauguration, 3M also helped  supply respirators for the Presidential Inaugural Committee staff who prepared the National Mall for the memorial event on Tuesday night.

While there was a mix of 3M respirators visible during the inauguration – some brought by attendees themselves, others likely part of the donation – Tom Geier, head of Federal Government Affairs for 3M, said their use speaks to the confidence they’ve engendered with the public.

“The fact that so many people were out there, and so many people were wearing them, it shows how trusted the product is,” he said.

If you didn’t catch a glimpse of the respirators on the global stage Wednesday, this video of Lady Gaga singing the National Anthem includes a few Aura Particle Respirator cameos.