Remembering: Veteran's Day

Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day...a day to remember and honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day, a day to commemorate the formal ending of hostilities of World War I, signed the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.  If I learned this in World History, I had forgotten it.

Hanging on the wall of our guest bedroom are the war medals of my husband's grandfather.  The frame also holds a German Mark he carried in his wallet while stationed in Germany, and a handwritten letter.  On the outside of the envelope it says, "Mother's Letter."  Soldier's Mail is written where a stamp would normally be; apparently soldiers did not have to pay postage.  The letter is transcribed below:

Coblenz, Germany
May 11, 1919

Dear Mama,

Just a few lines to let you know that I am all right and sure hope this finds you all the same.  It rained all the afternoon yesterday, and all night last night.

Well Mama, I heard some good news Saturday.  I heard that we would be home by the first of September.  Well, I sure hope we will get there by that time if not before, for if I ever did want to see anybody in my life, I want to see you all, "especially Maye", Mama.  I know you all are taking care of her alright and don't forget you will get paid for it, too, just as soon as I get home and get straightened out. 

If I have thought about you all one time since I've left home, I have thought about you a million times.  The first thing I think about when I get out of bed every morning is if you all are alright, and you all are on my mind all the time, day and night.  I will be the happiest boy on earth when I get back home. 

I think you will find a change in me.  This Army life has changed a good many of the boys..some for better, and others not so good.  But Mama, I thought of Maye, and you, and my dear sisters whenever I felt myself slipping, and thank God I haven't done one thing that I would be ashamed to tell you. 

I know Charlie has told you all about this country and the people.  I can't start to tell you about it now, but will sure tell you all about it when I get home.

Well Mama, take good care of Maye, and the rest of the folks.  Give everybody my love, and write real soon.  Hoping I will be home soon, so we can go to camp meeting.

As ever,

Your boy
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"Your boy" was Thomas Hardeman Berry and Maye, mentioned in his letter, was his wife Theresa Maye Butler Berry.  We called him "Paw", but friends and family called him "Hardeman".  He was old when I first met him so it's difficult for me to imagine him as a young soldier in World War I.  This letter makes me so proud of him, though.  He dearly loved his wife and family.  With God's help he was able to keep his life pure and stay faithful to his wife while thousands of miles away from home.  Character is: "who you are when you think no one is looking".     

Tomorrow, remember to thank God and the men and women who have served, and are serving, in our military.  They keep us safe so that we can sleep in peace in our nice warm beds tonight.

Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney