White script text over a blue bottom third of the button and a white star over the upper red background

Following American entry into World War II, there was a surge of patriotism on the home front to support the troops fighting abroad. In particular, McCall's Magazine replaced its Valentine's Day cover in the wake of Pearl Harbor with a complimentary button and a pledge that read, "As a consumer, in the total defense of democracy, I will do my part to make my country ready, efficient and strong. I will buy carefully. I will take good care of the things I have. I will waste nothing.". More than 15,000 readers signed the pledge and the magazine was praised for its early action among the "Seven Sisters" group of women's magazines, all of which took on a patriotic stance that framed women and children as being at the center of the war effort at home.

Blue, red and white text on a white crosslike shape on a blue background

In the late 1940s to 1950s, concentrated efforts were made in the U.S. to wipe out tuberculosis. Curbside radiology vans sponsored by tuberculosis associations serviced communities in performing x-ray exams. A national screening program emerged in 1950 from the Public Health Service’s Division of Tuberculosis. The efforts of the program resulted in 60 mobile units, each equipped with photofluorographic X-ray equipment that traveled across the country and performed free X-rays. X-rays were, at the time, seen and advertised as the most effective weapons against tuberculosis and the general public was encouraged to get yearly screening. Over 2 million chest X-ray examinations were performed throughout the country. Many states and counties ran their own programs to perform free x-rays in order to increase efforts against the rise of tuberculosis giving out buttons or lapel cards that read, “I’ve Had a Chest X-Ray. Have you?” The work resulted in a discovery of large number of cases that were now treatable at home with the availability of isoniazid. Concerns over the use of x-rays emerged from findings that even small doses of radiation exposure would prove harmful, which reduced use of x-rays for a time. States went on to ban the use of x-rays on humans by anyone other than medical or dental personnel. By 1970, tuberculosis had declined to an extent that the disease was rarely discovered through x-rays and the tuberculin skin test became preferred and less expensive way of screening.

Illustration of a fist

The symbolic meaning of the raised fist is that of unity and power, meaning that with fist in the face of opposition, the oppressed group is together and strong. It is documented that the Jewish community used the raised fist in protest of fascist sentiment in 1936. The raised fist was also used was at the summer Olympic games in Mexico, 1968. African-American track and field stars Tommie Smith and John Carlos stated that the Civil Rights movement was now in a passive stage and incomplete with more to be done, raising their fists to signal others stood behind that idea. Nelson Mandela also raised his fist when he was released from prison in 1990. The raised fist has also been associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Green text over a yellow illustration of a heart on a green background

WOW is a word to express awe, amazement, or surprise. The first use of “wow” was in the 16th century by the Scottish. It was then used frequently in the USA in the 1920s and again became popular in the 1960s.

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Purple text and an illustration of a heart inside a circle on a pink background

Love is an intense affection for another person.

1960s era fonts were often used in slogans which promoted peace, love, and joy rather than war. The war between the USA and Vietnam went from Nov 1, 1955 to Apr 30, 1975.

The peace, love, and joy phrase was used by Hippies, short for hipsters, a subculture which began in the 1950s beatnik coffee house scene predominately in San Francisco. Hippies continue to exist today with new generations of liberal minded activists who believe in peace, love, and joy.

Red white and blue background with an illustration of a head wearing a hat on the top red stripe and two legs on the bottom blue stripe and blue and red text on the middle white stripe

To smile is when the corners of a person's mouth turns upward, sometimes showing teeth, to express a happy or content feeling. Encouraging others to smile can often be a positive motivator. A smile is a friendly gesture that is associated with spreading and feeling happiness.

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Red text on peach background

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Black text on a white background

Illustration of a brown peanut with a big toothy grin and green text on a white background

When running for president, James "Jimmy" Carter's campaign memorabilia often featured a peanut sporting a large smile, along with the slogan "The Grin Will Win." It was a two part reference to the fact that Carter was formerly a peanut farmer and was known for his wide grin. Carter was elected in November of 1976 and served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

Blue black and red text on a white background with a grey illustration of an elephant

The Republican Party, also known as the Grand Old Party (GOP), is one of the two major political parties in the United States. The Republican Party is identified by an elephant logo with origins dating back to the late 1800’s and cartoonist Thomas Nash. The Republican Party’s major rival is the Democratic Party, which likely used the well-known elephant logo as a play on words for “irrelevant.”