American Greetings To Help People Communicate in Time of War
Cards bring comfort and news from home

CLEVELAND, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The need for people to reach out and support their loved ones is especially strong during times of war. To help Americans communicate with sons, daughters, wives, husbands and friends stationed thousands of miles away, American Greetings created a new line of patriotic-themed cards called, "Home Sweet America" as well as a new set of
electronic greetings.

The cards not only express encouragement and support for U.S. troops in this difficult time, but many commemorate personal milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Chris Riddle, art director for the project, said a team of artists, writers and planners from American Greetings began discussing the idea last October when tensions began to escalate in the Middle East. "Our goal in creating the cards was to not only provide a way for families to stay connected, but also to support those who are stationed in the military," Riddle said.

The new line of cards features 28 designs with an overall patriotic theme. Card messages range from a forlorn, "Me here. You there. No fair," (picturing two stick figures positioned on opposite ends of a globe), to messages that use a touch of humorous bravado to deal with the dangers of war, like the one that exclaims: "Kick Saddam's butt and get yours back here!"

Romantic cards help spouses communicate how much their husbands and wives are missed. One card reads, "The easiest part was falling in love with you. The hardest part is being away from you ... The best part will be when we're together again. Missing you with all my heart."

"Home Sweet America" also includes birthday and anniversary cards, and cards for proud parents to send to sons and daughters serving in the military. Blank cards with patriotic motifs are also available so family and friends can inscribe their own personal messages inside.

The AmericanGreetings.com, BlueMountain.com, Egreetings.com and BeatGreets.com sites will also offer free email greetings that can be sent to family members serving in the military.

Of special note will be a series of branch-specific electronic greetings designed exclusively for each division of the armed forces. A Navy e-greeting, for instance, says: "Since the birth of our country, the US Navy has defended freedom with uncommon courage and valor ... Thinking of You."

A special "Here's a Hug" electronic greeting will offer a perfect way for children of parents stationed in the military to communicate with Mom or Dad.

Other email greetings will feature patriotic messages of support for the troops and images such as the American flag and the Statue of Liberty. One such greeting reads: "Our grateful nation supports you who proudly serve the United States of America."

Whether paper or electronic, greeting cards can help span the miles, express love and support and keep the lines of communication open when loved ones are stationed thousands of miles away.

Riddle said historically American Greetings has been at the forefront in helping families and friends stay in touch during times of war. "The company is the leading supplier of cards to the armed services and has also offered greeting cards for families to send to loved ones serving in the military since World War I," he added.

During the Persian Gulf Crisis in 1991, American Greetings offered two special lines: "Greetings from the Gulf," for military personnel to send home, and "America Misses You," to express support to family members stationed overseas.

"Home Sweet America" and the electronic cards will follow in the footsteps of the two previous lines. The new line will be available in major mass retail stores beginning March 31.