Tulsa, Okla./EWORLDWIRE/July 1, 2003 --- Should events continue to unfold at their current pace, it's likely the fight the Freedom Girls have waged will be lost.Their fight is not a fight in the literal sense, but a fight to preserve and reignite the purchase of war bonds called Patriot Bonds.
In July, 1944, the face of a young child suited by her mother in a patriotic outfit became associated with the war bond effort when it graced the cover of Popular Photography magazine. That face has reappeared in the public eye 58 years later, joined by daughter and granddaugther, to be known as the Freedom Girls.
Standing on street corners and spending thousands of dollars in personal money, the trio have contacted media outlets from coast-to-coast to try to garner coverage and attention to the rapidly approaching October 1 deadline: the marketing department that services and promotes the purchase of Patriot Bonds will be limiting its marketing to online promotion only. Promotion will no longer be initiated through Public Service advertisements or through the national network of volunteer committees.
"People who are educated about marketing recognize that it's not enough to have a website," stated Susan Dale, daughter to the original war bond poster child. "It's rather like opening up a store and not putting up a sign. How can the general public be expected to find out about the program if there isn't any activity other than online?"
While a number of public servants seated in Congress are in a position to address this issue, some have taken the position that the Savings Bond program is no longer viable as a means to raise capital for the government.
"Bonds continue to be used by Americans to express their patriotism and belief in our government," continued Dale. "That 9/11 strengthed our nation was visibly clear - by the symbols of national pride displayed everywhere - from the flag at Ground Zero to flag stickers displayed on cars and store front windows."
"My family, and the families of millions like me, believe that our country needs to continue to provide a means to express our sense of patriotism - and war bonds are that means."
Statistics reflect a continued downward trend in the accounting of bonds as part of the Public Debt from 26% after WWII to the current 3%.
The current Treasury cost model shows that for every $1 billion borrowed throughout Series EE ( Patriot Bonds) and Series I saving Bonds, $17 million is saved in comparison to costs associated with marketable securities. President Bush is asking congress to approve an $80 billion dollar proposal to support the War Against Terror. If the common American invested in The Savings Bond program, Americans would save $1,204,000,000.00.
"All Americans are in a position to support the War on Terror here at home with the purchase of a war bond," concluded Dale. "With my daughter's birthday a month and a day apart from my mother's, and at the same age of five when she was involved, there is added significance to the events of 9/11."
"Safety and security are in the minds of all Americans - by buying bonds, we're ensuring the country, government and military we believe in will be safe and secure for our children and those who come after us."
Interviews of the Freedom Girls are available by calling Susan Dale at 918-296-0090 or emailing susan@usfreedombonds.com. Additional photos may be viewed at www.usfreedombonds.com.
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