Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Statue of American Patriot, U.S. Flag" Original oil painting on Canvas. Signed lower right. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Savings Bond stamp issued April 30, 1991. Fifty years ago, the world was at war. Adolf Hilter's armies had conquered better than a half dozen countries. Imperial Japan was expanding its boundaries, adding the riches of other countries to its coffers. The hard work of preserving freedom was left to Great Britain, the United States and a few others. In 1941, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the War Bond program, designed to raise cash for the increasingly-expensive war effort. From the outset, the program was a tremendous success, driven by patriotic Americans across the country. Ranging in denominations from $25 to $ 10,000, war bonds raised immediate cash for the Treasury Department; some $135 billion was raised in the war years. A surprisingly large portion of this -- $35 billion -- came from the "Series E" bonds, small value certificates purchased by the average American. To sell the bonds, the Treasury called on some of the biggest names in entertainment and advertising. Actress Hedy Lamarr offered a kiss to anyone who would purchase $25,000 in bonds, Betty Grable's stockings were auctioned off in exchange for war bond purchases, and Man o' War's horseshoes went for the same cause. Today, United States savings bonds are still considered an important part of the serious investor's portfolio. This artwork pays tribute to the fiftieth anniversary of the savings bond, the patriot's investment. Image Size: 14.75 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 18 x 24.25 in. Unframed. (B12939)