 |
| Holiday V-Mail, December, 1944. |
Hello all,
Christmas is just two days away! Are you as excited as I
am? Maybe you are, or maybe no, not this year?
I know the holidays can be a joyous time for some and dreadful for
others, depending on what life has dealt you at the time. Many individuals are
lucky enough to spend the holidays with their loved ones, while others are
missing those nearest to their hearts for whatever reason. I do not know if you
feel the same, but I feel very fortunate to live in the age of technology where
even distance can be conquered if we have the means, and will, to do so. We can
be thousands of miles away from our family and still be able to see their faces
through the internet. Of course, even that could never replace physically being
in their presence, but it beats the alternative. During World War II, the only
way families could stay in contact with loved ones overseas was through
letters. It must have been
torture not knowing where they were exactly, not knowing if they were safe or
if they would be okay by the time the letter was received.
I would like to share a few holiday letters written
by a Bedford Boy to his lovely wife, Sergeant John B. Schenk to Ivylyn Jordan
Schenk.
“12-9-42,
My Darling Lynn, Oh yes you guessed it. I am just a little homesick. Just think
what fun I am missing by being over here. When you get this letter it probably
will be Xmas so here is hoping you have a most pleasant one. Two of the boys
were just in my room and brought a fruit cake with them. We were discussing
what we were going to do when we get home and we all said the first thing would
be to go on a honeymoon. Of course I had to tell them about ours and they
agreed it was much better than traveling…”
“December
16, 1942, 7:30P.M., My Darling Lynn, Here it is nine days till Xmas and I haven’t
got a bit of Xmas spirit… I am invited to have Xmas dinner with the same people
I had dinner with last nite. We did have a real nice time. Each person had a
foot of silver on each side of his plate. When I finished the meal I had used
every piece so I think I did a good job of it...”
 |
| John Schenk and his wife, Ivylyn. |
“December
24, 1942, England, My Darling Lynn, Here tis Xmas Eve and I am 4000 miles away
from you but my heart and soul are with you. My love for you is increasing each
day. Every night and many times during the day I am praying for your happiness.
Also I pray for a quick end to this foolish war and by the looks of things my
prayers are being answered. When I say foolish I mean foolish. Tell me what can
one gain by war. Of course it is different with us. Our freedom was endangered
and we are fighting to keep it. I guess I am first a lover of peace is the
reason I think all disagreements could be settled without the loss of lives. It
takes civilized people to see it that way I guess. I was in town this A.M. and
the British just like the Americans believe in Xmas. Everyone greets you with a
smile and wishes you a merry Xmas. People like that couldn’t believe in war. On
every smiling face you could see that God was there. These people believe in
him just as we do. Even the war worn German prisoner has a smile for us. It may
be that he is getting more to eat than usual but I think down deep in his heart
he is much like you and I. He is forced into battle by Hitler’s threats. For him
it is either fight or starve. Anyway darling we, the allies are going to win
this war. It is you we are fighting for not ourselves. Our lives are not worth
the value of a Confederate bill and you know from history that isn’t worth
much.”
“…
Judging from this letter you would think I was home sick but really I am not. Well
not very much any way. I would give an arm just to see you and hold you close
and tell you how much I love you. Darling you are all I have so take good care
of yourself. God will bring me back to soon. Good nite and a Merry Christmas. All
My Love, John.”
John was killed in action on June 6, 1944. As you
may have guessed, these letters were the last holiday exchange these two would
ever have together. In fact, the only Christmas we know they spent together was
in 1941, before they were married.
Letters such as John’s show us how similar human
beings really are, even when we come from such different times and places. I think
anyone missing a loved one over the holidays can feel a connection with John
and Ivylyn through their letters. John’s sentiments make me thankful for what I
have and hold dear. I hope they do the same for you.
 |
| Christmas Card delivered to GIs, WWII. |
Take care,
Elizabeth
No comments:
Post a Comment