Walt Disney understood why World War II was difficult for people at home, as well as those serving overseas, because Disney, himself, had been a soldier in France. Because of his war-time experiences, he sought to provide the comfort and security he knew the people needed. Those at home found relief through films created by Disney that provided humor and happiness, while those abroad found relief through insignias and various symbols created by Disney to bring levity and nostalgia into their surroundings.
In war time, when national morale was low, Walt Disney took to making laugh-o-grams to uplift the American people. One of these laugh-o-grams is often used today: "Steamboat Willie."
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Disney also had some fun making propaganda videos, like this one called "Commando Duck." |
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Walt and his artists also contributed to the morale of the troops by creating humorous war insignias that they wore on patches and placed on equipment. They reminded the troops of home. Walt said, "These insignias meant a lot to the men who were fighting ... I had to do it ... I owed it to them."