Monday, April 06, 2009

Keep Calm - Carry On

I recently became acquainted with the remake of this 1939 British Poster:

Seems a perfect theme for us now ... as American citizens, as latter-day saints .... etc.

I thought the history was part of the significance of the quote. Here it is:
In the Spring of 1939, with war against Germany all but inevitable, the British Government's Ministry of Information commissioned a series of propaganda posters to be distributed throughout the country at the onset of hostilities. ... The posters were intended to offer the public reassurance in the dark days which lay ahead.

The intent of the poster was to convey a message from the King to his people, to assure them that 'all necessary measures to defend the nation were being taken', and to stress an 'attitude of mind' rather than a specific aim.

At the end of August 1939 three designs went into production... The first poster, of which over a million were printed, carried a slogan suggested by a civil servant named Waterfield. Using the crowns of George VI as the only graphic device, the stark red and white poster read
'Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory'. ... The third design, of which over 2.5 million posters were printed, simply read 'Keep Calm and Carry On'.

... The 'Keep Calm' posters were held in reserve, intended for use only in times of crisis or invasion. Although some may have found there way onto Government office walls, the poster was never officially issued and so remained virtually unseen by the public - unseen, that is, until a copy turned up more than fifty years later (2001) in a box of dusty old books bought in auction.
(Barter Books)

After General Conference, the overall feeling I got from the messages was:
though all humans experience trials and adversity, we can prepare by strengthening ourselves spiritually and having Faith and Hope in our Savior, who comforts, loves, and watches over us.

These 3 messages are timely ones for me.  They aren't easy for me.  For encouragement, I want to hang them in 5x7 frames to remind me daily of all that is good and all I can do to have a positive attitude.

5 comments:

Kristin Sokol said...

Heather...I am so excited for the little baby joining your family. What a great place to land.

October 17. Alyssa's birthday is the 18th. It is a great time for a birthday. We always have the funnest fall or halloween carnival themed birthdays. Its a great excuse to make home made caramel apples and have an excuse to preview everyone's Halloween costumes.

Congratulations family of six.

Julie said...

I love this! Thank you. What great daily reminders!

Diana said...

I loved Elder Wirthlin's conference talk! I might just have to do what you have done & frame it! Thanks for always being so inspirational.

Alisa said...

What a lovely idea!! I want to do the same. Thanks for sharing. You are inspiring. :)

Amy D. said...

Yeah and hurray for encouragement and blessings. I love your reminders.