Victory Apron Still a Patriotic Icon

For many reasons, this apron pattern is one I cherish. Firstly, the pattern packet is as delicate as the surviving veterans of World World II. Secondly, I recall my mother reminiscing about her days as a coed and USO greeter. I’ve seen photos of my mother during the war years, and the way she wore her hair and dressed are exactly as illustrated by the woman on the pattern’s cover. The slim fitting dress and apron connote the lean times
The paragraph of text at the bottom of the pattern states:

The pattern’s envelope illustrates women wearing patriotic aprons as they are serving their country by participating at a USO. The USO is an organization about which most of us are sadly ignorant. In celebration of America’s independence, let us also celebrate the USO.

In its 67th year, the USO continues its mission to deliver a touch of home to those serving in the military in a faraway place.

Organized in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a “Home Away from Home” for U.S. troops, the United Service Organizations (USO) is a non-governmental organization still run by civilian volunteers. Throughout World War II, USO centers in over 3,000 communities provided the military with offerings as diverse as child care for military wives to a quiet place for talking, writing letters or receiving religious counsel to an off-duty place for dancing and socializing. And on hand to greet, comfort and serve a cup of free coffee, sandwiches and doughnuts, were the young women and ladies in their victory aprons.

As the icon of America’s mothers, the apron symbolized the comfort and security of the home, with the red, white and blue Victory Apron a reminder of motherhood and the American home as patriotic symbols worth fighting for.

Printed and copyrighted in 1943 by McCall Corporation, the Victory Apron pattern was One Size and cost twenty-five cents. What would today be described as a beginner sewing project, the Victory Apron and its pocket variations could be easily sewn, either entirely by hand or machine stitched.

For sixty seven years, where America’s men and women in the military have gone, the USO has gone. Today’s USO continues this tradition at more than 120 USO centers worldwide, in order to fulfill its mission to U.S. military personnel and their families “Until Every One Comes Home.” The Victory Apron is a reminder of that mission.

visit www.uso.org for more information on this decades old, volunteer organization.

xxea