HEADQUARTERS
APO 864 Post master, New York
Alfred Foster Jones
22783 1900 Rd
Chanute, Kansas
Dear Mister Jones,
In my deepest regret, I apologize and wish to inform you the death of your husband, Captain Arthur James Kirkland, A casualty message has been received on December 25, 1944. It was reported by a witness that he was shot by an unknown German soldier. He was sent for medical treatment but died within a few hours. We have no received any more information at the moment.
I am sorry I must be the one to send you such distressing news. We will pray for you and your family. We all share your grief for we have lost a fellow brother and soldier in our family. I hope it comforts you to know that he has been honored and forever remembered. You will also be sent a letter personally written from him alongside with the telegram. Once again, I apologize and I wish you the best.
Dear Alfred,
I wanted to say my last hello to you. For I know, it'll soon turn into a goodbye. I grieve these hours without you and not even the bullet wound could compare. If it doesn't sound cheesy enough but both you and I know it is true. Well I would like to begin a few things I knew I had to say to you one day. I apologize for not being able to say this to you in person but life seems to veer off into a direction we were not exactly hoping for.
I live for you and your happiness because I love you so much, truly. I know you grew up in Kansas practically all of your life and to see you in a broken city or worse, broken country, pains my heart. I was hoping selfishly that i wouldn't have to die but I'm glad i did if it was for you. Please don't think of me as selfish or inhumane for wanting to not die because I'm sure you would give your life for me too just to see me happy.
Now, I also want to say is that I want you to move on. I know you Alfred and you're usually a childish and energetic person, not let down so easily. I don't want you to drown in your own sorrow over something so pathetic like me.
I wish we could have married in a wonderful church scenery, what all couples wish for, but alas, it is too late. And that is why I tell you to move on and find a gal perhaps. She must be beautiful and treat you more kindly than I ever have. Who'll give you the feelings of roaming butterflies in your stomach. Do not forget me but do not chain yourself to me.
I am sorry this is such an awkward letter for I didn't know exactly what to say. Not to mention, my fingers are shaking as I write this letter. The doctor said I will be okay but I do not believe him. My vision is hazy and my ears have become all too deaf. I do not believe that means I will be "okay."
Oh yes, would you tell Francis and Matthew for me that I also too love them and wish them a blessed life. I regret some horrid things I have said to them and tell them I am also sorry about all those times.
Now that I think about it a bit, I forgot something and this is the last chance I get to ask anything out of you. Will you please play the song by Vera Lynn? 'We'll Meet Again' is the name I believe. The piano version please. I love hearing you play the piano, it is like watching your fingers are magic. I'm sure I will be able to hear it, even though I am probably dead by now.
So here is my last few words, go live a magical and exciting life. And I promise we'll meet again. Where the sun shines brighter and the grass grows greener. I love you.
From,
Arthur Kirkland, a soldier and husband
"Arthur, I do hope we meet again. And-" he felt a warm tear drip down his cheeks as he read the letter that was attached to the telegram. "I love you too. More than you'll ever know."