Jared Says for November
2001
 Last month
I mentioned how past tragedies can become today's collectibles.
This also holds true for personal experiences.
I have always found, whenever I came across military veteran's
letters they are very interesting. They are straight to the
point, with no political messages or propaganda. They provide
very thoughtful insights into military history. Most of the
letters that I have seen the most are from W.W.II. The most
valuable letters are from the Civil War era. Unfortunately,
I have had only 2 of these.
It continues to amaze me that veterans or their families would
want to give up these letters! I remember getting a large batch
of letters from a B-17 pilot who told me that no one was interested
in them except me, and if I did not take them he would throw
them away!
I find it hard to put a value on something that conveys such
strong feelings to friends and family during such historical
events. I have not seen any Viet Nam letters other than my own,
but I can surmise that they are the most bitter and show a period
of service during a disillusionment with the political/military
establishment.
A PBS television on Nov 11 (at least in the Boston area) will
air on AMERICAN EXPERIENCE the show WAR LETTERS. It is based
on Andrew Carroll's best seller WAR LETTERS: EXTRAORDINARY CORRESPONDENCE
FROM AMERICAN WARS. This should bring out the more human side
of war.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and do not forget to hug a vet
on Veterans Day.
Until Next Time,
Good Picking!
Jared
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