Give Us This Day... National War Fund

The poster uses the imagery of an American Christian family, grandparents and grandchild, praying for their family members. They are reciting ‘Give Us This Day", a part of the Lord’s Prayer or Pater Noster. This Christian prayer was, according to the New Testament, how Jesus taught their disciples to pray. It is often recited as part of the grace before a meal – to give thanks for the blessings that we have. The poster appeals to the Christian and Family values as a way to promote the National War Fund.

The National War Fund was created in 1943, and described by president Franklin D. Roosevelt as "a philanthropic federation with three simple aims; first, to determine the nature and the extent of the war-related needs; second, to see that everybody has a chance to contribute to the funds required; and third, to channel the sums raised for its member agencies wherever American help is currently most needed—to raise enough and on time."

18 agencies were part of the Fund, USO (United Service Organizations) being the most important. During WWII they began the tradition of entertaining the troops abroad that continues today. The Fund continued until 1947, well after the war and supported by President Harry S. Truman.

The National War Fund had centers in many towns and cities in the United States that made their own campaigns to fundraise for the Fund. This poster is to support these local community campaigns.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.