WW1 Letter Home

April 21, 1917

Dear Atkins family,

   I received the letter last week, and was so thrilled it made it to the base. I'm on the run constantly as a nurse, but tonight is a night where I have a few minutes to write back to my dear little family.  I miss you all more than I can say. Every day, I imagine Ruth's sweet smile beaming up at me. I am reminded of the secure feeling when Aunt Pauline's arms would embrace me in a hug. When I first volunteered in the U.S. Navy, I admit that at the time, the consequences didn't possibly seem real somehow. I knew what I had signed up for, but I hadn't the slightest idea how my actions would affect both myself and the millions around me. We are at war. The very word makes me want to vomit. How can a single, three-letter word mean so much? The battlefield here in New York is devastating... Mangled body parts are strewn about, mud is stained deep red with the blood of soldiers. The constant sound of grenades going off, screams of pain, and the earth tremors- I can't find words to explain how horrific these past six months have been. Soldiers come into the base burned from poison gas, sometimes all over their body. Their skin has to be wrapped in bandages, and they fight and lash out like a wild mustang. Gangrene is an infected patient's worst enemy, but delirium is no ally, either.

   It is disturbing to see brave men suffer so. I am tempted to run away from it all, to leave all this pain and sorrow...but I know there is no turning back from this point, and slap myself for being so selfish.

   Send your prayers for the wounded. I'm sending you all my love.
                                                      Lucy
                                           

Liberty and Victory Bonds- World War 1

   When most people recall the First World War, they think about the grizzly effects of trench warfare, the enlisting/drafting of heroic United States' soldiers, and the epic struggle of different nations who fought for opposing reasons. However, the behind-the-scenes events were just as important for the war as the actual fighting itself. Although today they might be lesser known to some, the Liberty and Victory bonds between the Canadian's and United States' government and its people played a significant role in World War l.

   Both Liberty Bonds (issued by the United States) and Victory Bonds (issued by Canada) were ways in which both countries could support the war effort. These bond types emphasized strong foreign relations between these two countries and the Allies (England, France, Italy, and Russia). Liberty Bonds focused on the happenings during the war, as their purchase showed support for military weapons and other much-needed supplies. People would then receive some portions of their money back if the Allies side successfully won. Victory Bonds (hence the name), focused on supporting the happenings, such as soldiers, after the war.

   It was considered frowned upon and not very nationalistic if someone opted out of purchasing a Liberty or Victory Bond, while something of great pride when actually bought. "The man, be rich or poor, is little to be envied, who at this supreme moment fails to bring forward his life savings for the security of his country."

 

 

 

http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/posters/bonds.aspx

 

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