Willie Gillis Poem by Ima Ryma

Willie Gillis of World War II,
The Norman Rockwell ev'ry guy,
As portrayed American who
Served the nation as a G.I.
The public thought Willie was real.
He gave a human face to war.
With Willie, the public did feel
Connection and supported more.
Through the art series, Willie went
From freckle face to manly brow.
In the last work he did present
A growing up from then to now.

Willie Gillis last did instill
Future dreams on the G.I. Bill.