President Wilson’s call to arms in April 1917 captured the spirit of a nation unprepared for total war. Americans were seized by the fervor of nationalism. Boy Scouts paraded “Old Glory” down New York’s Fifth Avenue. George Cohan wrote “Over There” to spread the word that the “Americans Are Coming”. Norman Rockwell illustrated the sheet music’s cover, calling it “Over There”. They all captured the country’s patriotism.
Movie stars, like Douglas Fairbanks, were, likewise, proud of our country! They used their platform for rallies and selling Liberty Loan Bonds, raising $21-billion. Everyone looked for a way to give something, rather than to receive something. “Heatless Mondays” saved coal and the nation adopted day-light-savings-time. Women gave-up nylons. Now, 102 years later, it’d be nice if the other half of “everyone” could understand that patriotism and join-in with the rest of us who are so excited about “Make America Great Again”.
