Love from Daddy: Part 1

With Father's Day approaching, I am pleased to present a new series of letters on Lives in History: Love from Daddy. During World War II in Fall 1944, Major Thomas writes to his family in St. Louis, Missouri: his wife and their two children, Barbara and Tommy. The letters are full of emotion including frustration at the war, missing his family, and, of course, love for his children.

The first letter is postmarked October 23, 1944 and dated Monday October 22.

Thomas writes of being busy and missing his children and family:

Dear Barbara + Tommy,

Your Daddy hasn't had much chance to write you these past few days or week on account he has been quite busy.

I was glad, Barbara, that you are continuing to do well in school and you, Tommy Joe, that you received a gold star. I’m proud of both of you and I hope you’ll continue to do well.

Needless to tell you I miss you all very much and I wish I could be with you. I think I’d enjoy some ice cream with you right now. We don’t have any of that where I am, which is in Holland. Here the houses are painted all colors and look like doll houses. They look clean too in contrast to the houses in Belgium which are dirty.

Thomas continues by telling the children to keep an eye out for packages that he has mailed to them including two German children's gas masks. He notes that it is challenging, at times, to mail packages, but he will continue to try.

Thomas closes his letter by asking the children to be good to their Mother and to thank their grandparents for helping to take care of them. He tells them he is doing good work, and they can be proud of him.

...and, he sends his love.

Cheerio now Barbara and Tommy. Kiss Mother for me. Tell Mimi and Poppa hello.

Love from

Daddy