In a heartbreaking discovery, a letter written by a young American soldier in 1919 has been reunited with his descendants a century later, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Carl Howe, a soldier, wrote an emotional letter expressing his longing for his mother while serving overseas. USA Today.
Recognizing its importance, a MyHeritage.com researcher stumbled upon the letter on eBay and felt compelled to bring it back to the Howe family. After obtaining the letter for $150, the research team embarks on a mission to trace the soldier’s ancestry.
Through letter tracing and thorough research, they successfully trace family information, including the soldier’s daughter who was only six years old when he died. John Bellis Squires of Beaverton, Oregon, Howe’s granddaughter, finally received the letter in late April, giving her an emotional connection to a grandfather she never knew.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bellis Squires considers the letter a treasure, and laments not being able to know his grandfather in person.
Roi Mandel, director of research at MyHeritage, expressed his team’s excitement at the happy ending, as he believes the letter deserves to return to its rightful place in history. He emphasized the emotional and historical value of such works of art, which go beyond their monetary value. Mendel revealed that the letter will be passed on to future generations, preserving a piece of personal and poignant history.
The story demonstrates the enduring power of personal connections and the importance of preserving historical artifacts.
Howe’s heartfelt letter serves as a poignant reminder of the deep bond between a soldier and his mother, while also highlighting the efforts made by dedicated researchers to ensure that such May the treasures find their way back home.