World War II, Jackie Robinson, the jitterbug, and the Slinky
were honored in early 1999 when the U.S. Postal Service unveiled
in a USO-style ceremony 15 postage stamps commemorating the
century's fifth decade. The stamps are part of the Postal
Service's landmark Celebrate the Century stamp and education
program. "The 1940s stamps pay lasting tribute to a decade that
began with a World War and ended in victory and the beginning of
prosperity," said Einar V. Dyhrkopp, chairman of the Postal
Service Board of Governors, who dedicated the stamps. "By the
end of the 1940s, America was on a new path. The world had found
some peace and we were world leaders." The following text is
from the 1940s Celebrate the Century stamp sheet. "After the
bombing of Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941, the United States
entered World War II. More than 16 million American men and
women served in the military while millions of housewives worked
to help keep the economy running. "The U.S. emerged from the war
as the world's most powerful na