BY JOELLEN COLLINS
Wednesday July 23rd 2025
Twentieth century assumptions that the allied victory in World War II would ensure the elimination of vast world conflicts have again been challenged as fears of a possible WWIII again crop up in this country and elsewhere. I have copy of a letter from World War II by a soldier writing to his newborn son at that time from the European battlefield. I can no longer recall who wrote it or why I have this dusty text, but I am compelled to share the love and strength of this soldier so near the end of the war.
Sunday March 11th 1945
My dear Jeffrey,
I’ve heard a lot about you, son, and though I have not yet seen you, I feel I know you very well. We are on opposite sides of the world, but you are a part of me, something for which I will always be indebted. A child whom a parent can be proud of is one of life’s greatest accomplishments and creates a bond between father and son that neither should violate.
I am glad for your sake that you were born an American, and as you grow older, you will realize how many advantages and limitless opportunities lie before you in your land of birth. Our country is not spotless or above reproach, but its founding precepts still rule, and the fundamental concepts of freedom, justice, equality, rights, and religious choice provide a land of opportunity and a rich life. I have seen enough of the world to know what all that means. Before this war I took it for granted and did not realize what it would mean not to have it.
As a father I can identify character traits which are more than simple – they are as fundamental as life itself: obedience, truthfulness, kindness, sincerity, tolerance, fruitfulness, and respect for other people’s rights. As soon as you can, acquire a true sense of values so that you can recognize what’s important in life. Stay healthy, mentally and physically. Learn to love the outdoors, go on hikes, build campfires, sleep out under the stars: basic things. Love beauty wherever you find it: in music, scenery, books, or anything that develops an inquisitive mind. Education is a never-ending process. Without it we might as well go back to the caves. Balance your learning, and you will possess a healthy and orderly mind. You may want so-called finer things of life, Jeffrey, but don’t ever forget the true value of simple things. You can respect money for what it can do for you but realize its limitations: beyond a certain point it adds nothing to life. Never confuse ambition with greed.
We’ll soon be together, and someday we will talk these things over and do everything a father and his son should share: this war will not last forever, and then we can start living life like it should be lived. We have lots of good times ahead. Be a real boy and grow up to be a real man.
I love you. Dad
