In here, the custom is to give the thank you notes with a little souvenir when the guests come, sign the guestbook, and hand the gifts or gratuity. It's a hassle to send out cards and souvenirs and this is the more efficient way to do it. I think it's only polite and in here, it's expected.
After all, they have spent their time to attend your event and give you something.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.