"Kilroy is a familiar "meme" from WWII. There are many speculations as to why it was a prominent cartoon figure during those turbulent times. One of the things we did to bring good cheer, just when we needed it most.
It was a doodle, it was a message, and it helped lonely soldiers unite and not feel alone. Much like we do today over Coffee or by sending notes of encouragement.
"At the height of his popularity, Kilroy could be found just about everywhere: in bathrooms and on bridges, in school cafeterias and on homework assignments, in the holds of Navy ships and painted on the shells of Air Force missiles. A classic Bugs Bunny cartoon from 1948, "Haredevil Hare," shows just how deeply Kilroy had penetrated into pop culture: thinking he's the first rabbit to land on the moon, Bugs is oblivious to the slogan "Kilroy was here" prominently etched on a rock behind him." (thoughtco.com)
And so, Kilroy lives on. A good memory, one that can bring a smile to your face. "
EXCERPT: . . . Commanders told Hitler that the phrase had also been discovered in many remote locations, often before the American military had even arrived. In a development more fitting to a B comedy movie, Hitler concluded that Kilroy was some sort of Captain-America-like super soldier making his way across Europe. Some reports even claim that Hitler used some of his best men to try and find Kilroy...
'Kilroy was here' may have been the first meme ever
Feb 24, 2023 12:34 AM
(This post was last modified: Feb 24, 2023 12:37 AM by Magical Realist.)
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