I was reading a story in my local newspaper this morning about a soldier’s experiences in World War II. It had been written by a columnist whose family had sent him correspondence that this soldier-cousin had sent his mom in the 1940s.
The soldier told of being shot twice, of his daily life in the Ninth Infantry Division and of his perceived sense of bravery. As I read the story, I thought of the many letters and other artifacts of war that I come across at auction – the items that soldiers treasured but families parted with after they were gone. I wondered if the columnist would keep his cousin’s ephemera.
The column was one of several stories the paper published on this Veteran’s Day. Looking back over the last year, I’ve written several posts about soldiers and their war lives. I thought that today was a good time to share them with those of you who may have missed them. In fact, I’m re-reading them just to remind myself of what war was like for them.
A post about the mementos of war: photos from a sailor’s travels, his logbook, garrison caps and an old tattered flag.
2. What soldiers send back home
A post sparked by a pink hankie and embroidered sheer fabric sent from a brother to his “dear” sister.
3. Black soldiers and WWII
A post that began with a photograph of 10 black soldiers whom I assumed were part of the Tuskegee Airmen program.
4. Discovering the identity of a Tuskegee airman
A post about a reader who identified one of the soldiers in the Tuskegee Airmen photo.
5. Tossing a loved one’s Bible
A post about a serviceman’s Bible that was among his military papers, photos and voter registration card.
6. A bad taste for Nazi memorabilia
A post about the sale of these relics and their popularity.
7. Currier & Ives’ repro print of black civil war regiment
A post about a Currier & Ives’ book with a print of the 1863 assault on Fort Wagner, SC, by Robert Shaw and the all-black 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment.
8. A trial, a Nazi guard and a soldier’s letter
A post about a soldier’s letter recounting the horror of finding victims at a concentration camp.
9. Yank magazine and WWII
A post about “Yank, The Army Weekly,” which offered a detailed look inside World War II.
10. Illustrating Pearl Harbor
A post about postal covers with illustrations of the attack on Pearl Harbor, along with other World War II battles.
Yes, the columnist will definitely keep the keepsakes. They go next to my Uncle Joey, who was 13 when his cousin shipped off. Thanks for linking it, Sherry!
Fantastic, Dan. I’m glad the letters will remain in your family.
Sherry