Description

This photogravure poster was intended to honor the American soldiers who fought in World War I. At the top of the poster is a banner with the title "A Tribute to Our American Soldier" with an eagle resting on the top edge and American flags on either side. Below the banner is a portrait of Woodrow Wilson, United States president at the time the poster was printed. To the viewer's left and slightly lower is a portrait of the first president of the United States, President George Washington. To the viewer's right and slightly lower is a portrait of the 16th president of the United States, President Abraham Lincoln. All three portraits are in oval frames with the names below. In the center of the poster is a rectangular double-line frame with a note in the center: "Attention: This space is intended for a photograph of any member of your family who has been or now is in the service of our government during the great World War...." Below the frame is the phrase "All for one and one for all." Below those words is another banner with the words of the tribute: "That nations weak and helpless may no longer be trodden down, that the world may become forever safe from the tyranny of militarism, He Joined the Colors. In the glare of a world on fire he stood, day by day, in the unflinching ban with those who "carried on" to final victory." The reverse side of the poster is printed in varying shades of green and features two portraits in rectangular frames: Admiral Sims and General Pershing. Centered above the portraits is an illustration of soldiers on the battlefield with American flags on either side and a patriotic shield just below. Centered below the portraits is a battleship at sea. Below the ship is the title "Uncle Sam's fighters: The Army and the Navy." Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum