During July
1942, seven months after the United States entered World
War II, magazines nationwide featured the American flag on their
covers. Adopting the slogan United We Stand, some five hundred publications
waved the stars and stripes to promote national unity, rally support
for the war, and celebrate Independence Day.
For magazine
publishers, displaying the flag was a way to prove their
loyalty and value to the war effort. For the U.S. government, the
campaign was an opportunity to sell bonds and boost morale. The
magazines brought home a message of patriotism and ideals worth
fighting for.
The National
Museum of American History presents this exhibition to mark
the sixtieth anniversary of the United We Stand campaign. We hope
you enjoy touring the virtual exhibit, and we also invite you to
visit the Museum, where nearly one hundred original flag covers
will be on view from March 22 to October 27, 2002.
Today, in
light of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the
flag and the slogan United We Stand have a renewed meaning for many
Americans. As the home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the National
Museum of American History is a place to explore the history of
our national symbol and the ideals for which it stands.
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