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Keep Them Smiling by Norman Rockwell

November 9, 1918 Issue of The Literary Digest



Keep Them Smiling, this Norman Rockwell painting, appeared on the cover of The Literary Digest published November 9, 1918...
(continued)



Another commonly used title for this work is Soldier, Sailor, and Commander.

Rockwell's illustration depicts three World War I servicemen, two soldiers and a sailor.

This was Rockwell's second illustration to appear on the cover of The Literary Digest.

Keep Them Smiling

These characters are all smiling.

We are then reminded how to keep them smiling. The subtitle "By Subscribing Every Dollar You Can Spare To The United War Work Campaign" in red letters was probably added by The Literary Digest editors. No doubt, this was done with Rockwell's approval.

This was Norman Rockwell's second cover illustration for The Literary Digest.

The middle soldier, the Commander, appears older than the sailor or soldier on either side. Rockwell painted him taller than his compatriots by almost a head with his hands on their shoulders. The serviceman in the middle looks like a father or big brother figure to his younger friends.

Why Would Norman Rockwell Paint Soldiers Smiling?

When this issue of The Literary Digest was published, World War I was winding down. Germany had asked for an armistice on October 4, 1918. The German Kaiser had abdicated his throne in early November. And on November 11, 1918, two days after this publication date, hostilities officially ceased between the United States and Germany.

No wonder Norman Rockwell painted the soldiers and sailor smiling!

World War I was practically over when this was painted.

The magazine still carried the notice to the reader informing how to donate a copy to a soldier or sailor overseas. The notice appears in the upper
right-hand corner, above the "The Literary Digest" logo.

The notice reads as follows:

NOTICE TO READER: When you finish reading
this magazine, place a one-cent stamp on this
notice, mail the magazine, and it will be placed
in the hands of our soldiers or sailors destined to
proceed overseas. NO WRAPPING -- NO ADDRESS.
A. S. BURLESON, Postmaster General.

Late 1918 was a happy time for America. Even though the terrible memory of war still permeated people's consciousness, peace was at hand. Norman Rockwell captured the spirit of hope with Keep Them Smiling...




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Norman Rockwell Cover of The Literary Digest  November 9, 1918 Issue - Keep Them Smiling

Norman Rockwell's Keep Them Smiling (1918)
Copyright © 1918 The Literay Digest and Funk & Wagnalls Company

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  Norman Rockwell's Boy Showing Off Badges from the August 17, 1918 Literary Digest cover
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