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2 July 1944
Dearest family,
Well, another week gone by swiftly, but with no excitement.
Mothers letter of June 20th came yesterday. Ten days is about the average time it takes for letters to come and such. In each letter she adds stationary or V-mail. I have stationary and I'll never lower myself to V-mail. V-mail is strictly for the officers, (Ray uses it) then they don't bother with it. Using V-mail would relieve air mail congestion, but the men are so anxious for letters and to have their letters reach home quickly that they use V-mail only when there is no other way. V-mail takes about 5 weeks to get to Cleveland. I got a V-mail letter from a Kiski chum dated May 8th - it arrived June 30.
4 July - Today - 168 years after the Declaration of Independence, seemed like any other day until chow time when we had one of the best dinners since entering the Navy. I had forgotten it was July 4th - a holiday at home, until I walked into the chow hall and saw the dinner. I've included the menu for your approval.
No matter where I go - it always rains
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on the fourth of July. I used to get so mad at the rain because it would always interfere with the holiday proceedings like ruining my fireworks or messing up the picnic at the beach. Last year, though, I was working at Strangs - that night rather, having pulled the 'grandmother' act and went with Dad to the ball game during the day.
5th July Veen wrote today - or rather I received a letter from her. A little cooler than the others. Maybe I'd better send her a few sweet things and put her on the right track again.
This letter will drag on for days so I'll start another tomorrow hoping it will get there at least a couple days after this.
Lots of love
Bud.