1. For service members and civilians alike, boosting morale was crucial throughout World War I, and much of that was done through humor. From decorative posters, to uplifting songs, to amusing cartoons, American society came together to bring lightheartedness and encouragement to soldiers serving abroad.
Comic drawings and cartoons, such as Bruce Bairnsfather’s “Old Bill,” were especially popular among the troops. Bairnsfather’s work was so popular that in the following years of World War II, he was employed as the official cartoonist to the American forces in Europe, and contributed to Stars and Stripes and Yank, the famous magazine published by the U.S. military during World War II.
2. Giving is Caring
Civilians donated to charities such as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) or the Salvation Army, both of which would later come together to form the USO during World War II, along with four other organizations. Donations from civilians went towards YMCA camps near the front lines, where they provided troops with a canteen, concert hall, library, game room and a quiet area – much like the USO centers of today.
The American Library Association raised funds to supply soldiers with books and magazines to read, and civilians purchased war bonds and postage stamps to help fund resources for the military, fueling a shared, fighting spirit across the country.
3. Letters Home
When far from home, troops craved a reminder of their loved ones. That is why organizations such as the National Jewish Welfare Board – which would later become incorporated into the USO – led letter-writing campaigns throughout the war to deliver mail to service members overseas.
Everyday Americans would gather in their homes, churches and community centers to write letters of encouragement to service members fighting overseas.