@normanrockwellmuseum: Stunning details in J.C. Leyendecker's painting, "Weapons for Liberty" Created during World War I, Weapons for Liberty is among J.C. Leyendecker’s most notable patriotic images. It depicts a young Boy Scout kneeling before an allegorical figure of Liberty draped in the American flag, presenting her with a sword inscribed with the Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” Armed with a shield bearing the Great Seal of the United States, Liberty symbolizes the nation’s resolve and defense of democratic ideals. Originally conceived in 1917 and published on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1918, the image was later adopted by the U.S. Treasury Department as a poster for the Boy Scouts’ Third Liberty Loan Campaign. By linking youthful service and civic responsibility to the purchase of war bonds, Leyendecker transformed a fundraising appeal into a stirring call for national unity and sacrifice, creating one of the most memorable propaganda images of the First World War.   Come see the original oil painting on view at Norman Rockwell Museum today, part of our exhibition, "American Stories: Revolution to Rockwell."

Norman Rockwell Museum

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Region: US

Tuesday 07 July 2026 15:24:24 GMT