America Day Cheer-Up Society

Illustration of a woman wearing a dress and hat designed to look like the American flag. She is looking over her shoulder to the viewer, holding a deck of cards designed to look like flags of other countries. Above the illustration is blue text on a white background. 

The Cheer-up Society was organized by women in South Australia during the First World War. Its goal was to provide comfort to the soldiers, lifting their spirits and encouraging them in the fight. The organization hosted “Cheer-Up Huts,” where the soldiers could assemble to relax, read, and get a meal. One method used by the society to raise funds was to hold “Button Days,” in which people could purchase pinback buttons such as this to contribute to the cause.

On April 20, 1917 the United States officially joined in fighting with the Allies, which led to celebrations in Great Britain and Australia. The American flag is included in the hand of cards Lady Liberty is holding — with these powers combined the war would soon be won.