On March 20, 1942, a young first lieutenant sat down at a table preparing to write a letter. His stationery was embossed with a seal and a heading in red, "Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma". He had already placed a three cent stamp bearing Jefferson's portrait on an envelope and addressed it to his fiancee. Taking pen in hand, the lieutenant wrote thus:
Hello Darling --
No -- I'm not far away -- perhaps right beside you -- or getting our marriage license -- in any case, near you someplace.
Tomorrow you will be Mrs. David Johnstown -- and I will be half of the happiest couple in the world.
Might seem a little odd -- sending you a letter I know will get to you after I do -- but I wanted to be around when you get the last letter I'll ever mail to Miss Ellen Kelley, 2831 Fox Lane, Houston, Texas. I've written lots of them addressed that way -- and somehow I think never with as much pleasure as this one. Because it marks the end -- end of a twoness and the beginning of a complete oneness.
On the 19th of February, 1938, I told you not to look then but I was falling in love with you. I think you were -- and justly -- a little dubious about the truth of my statement. Any doubts now? If so it won't do you a damn bit of good -- you are hooked, dearest -- permanently.
I've told you many times how much I love you -- but words are so poor -- oh, I'll keep telling you -- every day -- how much more I love you than I did the day before -- but tomorrow we really start living our love -- and every day that I can't show you in some way how our love is living and growing will be a poor day -- I don't think there will be any such days however.
Tomorrow we start on the newest, longest, most thrilling job either of us will ever have -- the job of creating our own life -- years of it, my dearest -- each day better than the one before. Happiness -- lots of it -- unhappiness -- I hope not -- but not much anyhow. Children -- probably -- everything growing from what might be called a chance beginning -- but probably a guiding hand gave chance a push or two in the right direction.
Our past has been mixed -- but fun, and beautiful -- our present is nice -- but the immediate future holds joys that neither of us have ever known -- only dreamed without any experience to base a dream actually.
My dearest -- again -- I love you. I'll whisper it in your ear -- and kiss you tenderly if you'll just look in my direction -- and right now.
Dave
Exactly fifty-nine years after writing this letter, on March 20, 2001, Daddy passed away ... and raced into eternity to reclaim his darling. I found this letter while going through his desk after he died. Daddy would be the first to say that the most important thing he ever did was marry my Mother, and that must be a fairly common emotion in his generation. I read his letter to a church filled with World War II veterans and their wives during Daddy's funeral. Those frail, elderly veterans - better known for being taciturn than romantic - put their arms around their wives, pulled them close, and nodded at me as tears ran down their faces.
I've shared this letter with you before, but I'm posting it again and asking you to make a donation for all the troops and their darlings, both living and dead. Imagine, if you will, some husband or wife opening one of our care packages as they take a break from painful rehabilitation, then looking up and locking eyes with their spouse.
We have a long way to go, my friends. Yes, the war in Iraq is over. Yes, the troops are coming home from Afghanistan. But our community commitment to our veterans will never end - their needs are great, and we must hold them close and show them that progressive patriotism walks the walk.
Thank you for your generosity.
Love,
Nurse Kelley
Netroots For The Troops Blogathon: February 20-24, 2012
Netroots For The Troops® is holding a blogathon this week to raise funds to send Care Packages to our soldiers stationed overseas. For the first time this year, we will also be sending Care Packages domestically to troops rehabilitating at Veterans Administration Hospitals around the country.
We are asking all of you to support our efforts and to also make a contribution for this worthwhile cause.
We are honored and delighted that Senator John Kerry (D-MA); Democratic Candidate for the United States Senate from Massachusetts, Ms. Elizabeth Warren; and former Governor Howard Dean (D-VT) will be joining us through this week. Many Kossacks will also be contributing their thoughts, ideas, and support during the week.
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Over the years, many soldiers have sent letters to express their appreciation for these Care Packages and even posted thanks at Daily Kos
It was in the middle six months of my assignment in Afghanistan that the packages started arriving. I received an array of things from them… letters, candy, toothpaste, floss, baby wipes, razors, food, socks, books, dvd’s. The list could go on and on. It was amazing. Netroots for the Troops was always there... The packages were a reminder that our country knows about our fight. Every day, because of their support, I knew that if it was going to be my last day, I would be remembered and I would be honored.
Please make a donation HERE. Thank you from the entire 2012 NFTT Team.
Netroots For The Troops® is a project of Netroots for the Troops, Inc., a Virginia non-profit corporation. The organization raises money for the assembly, mailing and delivery of Care Packages to American military in war zones and to provide assistance to military families in the United States. Netroots For The Troops, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
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