War Hero Job Hunting [Welcome Home Hero] 1919

Norman Rockwell’s painting gives us a peek into postwar America. It shows a returning soldier in uniform being greeted by a potential employer, while a young boy looks on holding a ‘welcome home’ bouquet. The image encapsulates a specific moment in United States history. The painting may hint at the difficulties veterans faced when trying to reintegrate into civilian life, especially in finding employment. Rockwell made the work during a time of significant social change. Mass media was on the rise, shaping public opinion and cultural norms, so we might look at this painting as a commentary on the public perception of war heroes. How were they treated? What kind of support was available to them? Further study into labor statistics and veterans’ affairs during this period, along with an examination of Rockwell’s other works, would provide a richer understanding of the painting’s socio-historical context.