{"id":861,"date":"2023-06-17T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-17T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whattoseeinwashingtondc.com\/?p=861"},"modified":"2023-06-16T08:49:42","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T13:49:42","slug":"millions-of-letters-boosting-morale-remembering-v-mail-81-years-later","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whattoseeinwashingtondc.com\/index.php\/2023\/06\/17\/millions-of-letters-boosting-morale-remembering-v-mail-81-years-later\/","title":{"rendered":"Millions of Letters Boosting Morale: Remembering V-Mail 81 Years Later"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

V-Mail launched 81 years ago this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When William H. VanZee wrote these two letters to his wife, Laura, the Victory Mail system was a well-oiled machine. It allowed millions of families around the world to stay in touch in spite of their separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"WWII
William’s letters to his wife, Laura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is V-Mail?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

V-Mail was a hybrid mail system using standardized stationery and microfilm processing. The United States used this system during WWII to save space on mail while being able to send more letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combined paper and envelope V-Mail system gave the letters a standard size and format. The lightweight paper resulted in faster delivery, allowing mail to be sent by airplane rather than on the slow boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The millions and millions of letters sent and received kept up morale throughout the war. Strong morale, both at home and on the war front, was vital to surviving WWII.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V-Mail in DC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To introduce your children to the idea, the kid-friendly National Postal Museum has an online V-Mail exhibition<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also see it in the WWII gallery of the \u201cThe Price of Freedom<\/a>\u201d exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"The
The Price of Freedom exhibit at American History<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"V-Mail
V-Mail on display<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Did any of your family members send V-Mail in World War II?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to learn more cool facts like this before anyone else? Then subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more interesting history tidbits, museum news, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n