Signed, Sealed, Remembered: One Soldier’s Story Through Post-WW2 Letters

A vivid collection of letters from a World War II veteran is offering a living, firsthand look at the state of postwar Europe. Penned in the nervous, turbulent months shortly after hostilities ceased, these letters tell not just of devastation left on the battlefields but also of hope and grit on the part of soldiers and civilians reestablishing their lives. The letter paints cityscapes in shambles, uprooted homes, and the day-in, day-out drudgery of occupation duty, but also camaraderie, intercultural exchange, and the steady revival of hope.

 

These personal letters are invaluable for understanding the nuances of Europe's recovery—from the mechanics of supplying aid and establishing order to the psychic toll on those away from home. The letters also reflect the transforming attitudes of American GIs as they witnessed firsthand the struggles and resilience of the European people. In the frank, honest words of one vet, we glimpse the human side of history too often lost to bureaucrat speak and headlines.

 

Source: Karen’s Chatt, Library of Congress