Note:  These postings are from the war correspondence between my grandmother in Holland, Michigan, to her husband, Chaplain Marvin Maris, in the Philippines.

Monday, May 6, 1945

Dearest One far away:

Today is the day will always remember — unofficially the end of the European war.  We are waiting for the official announcement by the three rulers.  It is to come tomorrow, we hear.  We also hear that the A.P. (associated press) is now censured and will be kept out of further news breaks because it let the news out before it was to be known.

The radio says that New Yorkers are going wild but I can’t see why.  We have plenty yet to do.  I feel a little depressed instead of wildly happy.  We have a big job of trying to feed the millions starving, and re-educating the Germans who are still arrogant.

Tomorrow, I suppose there will be no school because of the VE Day.

We had a few other letters besides your most welcome one today.  One from Penny who lived next to us in Albany.  She hadn’t heard from me for awhile.  For the life of me, I can’t even remember her last name this minute.  Also, had one from Mary Cole.  Dan is on Mindanao now.  Florence is engaged to a CPO (Chief Petty Officer) in the regular navy.  He’s been in 18 years and will be retiring soon.  He’s 10 years older than she and she’s very happy.  They’re to be married in June in uniform.  Phil’s second child has just arrived, a girl.

Dr. Tuttle hasn’t done anything about getting them a preacher yet for the marriage and they’re a little sore about it.

You asked about Rolf’s interests.  They’re mainly playing soldier!  They (friends) have an army and he has a first aid kit and your old knapsack and a helmet and off he goes.  Saturday, they’re going on a hike — not very far, I guess, and going to take their lunches in his knapsack which I presume he will carry!

He played marbles for awhile this spring but the older boys took ’em away fast.  He spends a good deal of time inventing and has a great collection of stuff for the purpose.  Lately, he’s been fishing — Bill W. (Winstrom) is swell about taking him on as a pal and Rolf is growing up.  You might just write to Bill a V-mail someday for that.  He’d appreciate it.  The address is The Park Road, Holland.  You could tell him you appreciate his interest in the kids.

Now goodnight, my dear.  I’ll dream of you, maybe.  I made doughnuts today for the first time for a long time.  I’ll get in practice.

All my love, Connie