Westside Stories

In May 1868, the first Decoration Day was established to remember and honor those who lost their lives during the Civil War. After World War I, the day evolved to honor all service members who died in military service. Following World War II, the name Memorial Day became more widely used. It wasn't until 1971 that it was officially designated as a national holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May.

During World War II, approximately 16 million Americans served in the United States Armed Forces, and an estimated 407,316 service members died, whether from combat, accidents, or disease. Among them, 78,750 Americans were listed as Missing in Action, with 72,000 of those still remaining unaccounted for. As for those who returned home, many faced the reality that a part of themselves had been irrevocably changed due to the unspeakable things they witnessed, the horrors they experienced, and the lives they were forced to take.

During the war, service members were encouraged to write letters home to boost morale and maintain connections with loved ones. However, they were also advised to avoid sharing specifics about their location, plans, troop movements, or any other details that could be exploited by the enemy if the letters fell into the wrong hands.

Today, 80 years after the war ended, a stack of letters written by a son to his mother between 1943 and 1945 sit wrapped in twine on a bookshelf in my mom's office at her home in Denver. During my last visit, I took the time to digitally scan every letter and envelope. Transcribing the letters has become a project of its own, as I attempt to decipher the handwriting of a young man in his early 20s, written under unknown conditions from locations such as England, Belgium, and behind enemy lines in Germany.

On June 5, 1944, Allied forces were preparing for the invasion of Normandy which would take place the following day, which is now known as D-Day. British bombers were dropping 5,000 tons of bombs on German gun batteries in the Normandy area. Allied ships and aircraft began crossing the English Channel, gearing up for the first wave of deployment. My grandpa, Edwin Wirkkala, was stationed somewhere in England, awaiting his orders. One of the things he did that day was write the following letter to his mother:

June 5, 1944

Dear Ma,

Hi. About my time to write again. How is everything going? Has Irene come back from California yet? I bet she really had a wonderful time down there. That's where I'm going to go for a while after this is over. Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery. Maybe you and Pop better go down for a little vacation. Do you good. Think so? I think that's what the boys and I will do when this is over. Send you two down and have a nice big vacation. Good idea, eh?

Have you heard from Art lately? It's been quite a while since I heard. I never did mention to you about his letter. You could see it was from New Guinea. It was soiled and dirty like it had been in a mud hole for a couple days. It was a really good letter though. He's making out ok. He doesn't mind it so hot. Rough at times but that's to be expected.

So, George has graduated from high school already. Well, wish him lots of luck and plenty of it for me huh? I sure hope he doesn't get drafted. Try and get him to work in a defense plant or something of that sort. I bet he sure is glad that he is through with books and pencils. Ha ha! I was just thinking, all the kids back home will be almost through with high school or in high school when we get back. Gosh, it's going to be pretty hard to realize the years we had to waste in the army. I tell you it's a crime. Most of us guys are wasting the best years of our lives right now in the service. I hate to see what's going to happen after it's over. Going to be rough. I guess it's going to be okay.

Oh yes, I'm going to send 50 dollars home by money order. So, you'll probably be getting it about the same time as this letter. I'll try to send you some next month too. I have nothing to do with the money we get here, so I'll try to send as much as I can each month, ok?

Not much to write about anymore. Be good and don't work too hard. Say hello to Pop and George and the rest. So long. Lots of Love!

Your Son,

Eddie

P.S. Enclosed will find a snapshot I had taken about 3 weeks ago.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the men and women who have courageously served our country. To those who gave their lives and to the families they left behind, no words can truly capture my appreciation for your ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Westside Happenings

Appelo Archives will host a Sidewalk Sale this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Items for sale include books, dishes, décor, clothing, and more. Please note that Saturday's sales will be cash or check only.

May

22 - Appelo Archives Author Series,

Shaun Martin, 1 p.m.

22 – 24 – Appelo Archives Sidewalk Sale,

9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

29 - Appelo Archives Author Series,

Greg Jacob, 1 p.m.

June

19 – Farm & Kitchen Barter Night at Grays

River Grange, 5 – 8 p.m.

21 – Finnish Midsummer Tea at Appelo

Archives Center, 1 p.m.

21 – Bazaar, Art, and Garage Sale Summer

Kickoff Johnson Park, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, please contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.