Item:
ONSV22SOS148

Original U.S. WWII Pearl Harbor Remember December 7th Propaganda Poster - 40” x 28”

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. The Government tried to identify the most effective poster style. One government-commissioned study concluded that the best posters were those that made a direct, emotional appeal and presented realistic pictures in photographic detail. The study found that symbolic or humorous posters attracted less attention, made a less favorable impression, and did not inspire enthusiasm. Nevertheless, many symbolic and humorous posters were judged to be outstanding in national poster competitions during the war.

“War posters that are symbolic do not attract a great deal of attention, and they fail to arouse enthusiasm. Often, they are misunderstood by those who see them.”
- How to Make Posters That Will Help Win The War, Office of Facts and Figures, 1942

This was definitely a poster that was not misunderstood by the people who viewed it. This poster features artwork by Allen Saalberg for the Office of War Information in January 1942. One of the first propaganda posters to be issued after the start of the war, it was commonly seen in factories and military bases around the United States. As the war progressed, instead of "Remember December 7th!" the slogan "Remember Pearl Harbor!" became more common in American propaganda.

The 40” x 28” poster displays an image of a battle torn American Flag at what appears to be half mast with black smoke billowing on a blue sky. The quote featured at the top is from President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The quote is as follows:

…we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain…

The full quote from the speech is fitting for the men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day. “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” - Abraham Lincoln, November 19, 1863.

Underneath this is the clear message REMEMBER DEC. 7th! in red.

The poster is in lovely condition and is slightly worn on the edges but without extensive damage. The creases present are from the original fold marks made during the distribution process in 1942. There is no evidence of the poster ever being displayed.

Comes ready to be mounted, framed and displayed!

  • This product is available for international shipping.
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