Life — August 23, 1917 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Light That Shall Not Fail" This Life magazine cover from August 23, 1917 depicts the Statue of Liberty illuminated above two soldiers holding crossed bayonets. The image appears to reference America's recent entry into World War I (April 1917). The cartoon's message is patriotic propaganda: the Statue of Liberty serves as a symbolic beacon of American ideals and freedom, guarded by vigilant soldiers. The "light that shall not fail" suggests American values will endure and ultimately triumph through military strength. The two soldiers likely represent the American Expeditionary Forces being deployed to Europe. This is typical wartime imagery—using the iconic statue to rally public support for the war effort by framing military sacrifice as defense of American liberty and democratic principles.