7 November 1944
U.S.S. Prairie
Dear Dad,
At present I have my doubts as to this letter arriving on the proper date, although my timing ought to be pretty close.
Of course, Dad, this letter is intended to be the bearer of my sincere wishes that this birthday you celebrate this year, is the Happiest, finest and most successful of all - and the each succeeding birthday brings even better joy. My most fervent hope is that soon we can celebrate November 16 th together, the right way, the whole family.
It seems that as years pass by, the interest on love to one's parents, father, mother, compiles hundred fold as they go. Maybe a son may no longer hear bed-time stories, or kiss his dad in that 'sissy woman way' but his love falters none. Where as a fellow can embrace his mother, the firm handshake with his dad holds no lesser love - It is a humbleness to the wisdom and knowledge of many years, a desire that openly sets his dad as a living symbol and standard that maybe one day he might successfully attain. A son can only hope that he can carry into life, pass on to his own son the citizenship, character and straight-forwardness handed down to him by his father. If a son can realize these things his fondest dreams are met.
#
Well, tomorrow, back home is election day. This morning I waged a last stand fight for Dewey. I was outnumbered by eight to one. How can sailors, soldiers vote properly when not well informed? Many men know little or nothing of Dewey, have based their voting solely on the fact that Roosevelt was there before, why not leave him there. They speak of changing horses
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the same horse that was in the middle of the stream four years ago, they claim vote for Roosevelt - help the poor! I ask them if they ever read any of Dewey speeches in "time" magazine or newspapers - The answer "why should we bother reading about him". I can not understand why when people are given a chance to choose their own government, their own leaders they take such little interest - become too lazy to read of facts, think only of the relief money they received & care nothing of how past years affect the future. No wonder F.D.R. receives the Teamsters, Communists and labor vote. He has actually done nothing for them, but they fall for his line. They like cracks about elephants turning somersaults, or cartwheels, they don't have to think - facts and facing them is like trying to do homework with a baseball game going on outside the window. I hope the people at home are wised up. If Roosevelt wins - and should receive the soldier vote it isn't because, and he better not claim "they wanted me." It is because many only knew of Dewey by name.
I have been thinking very seriously about what I should study in college after the war. As yet I have no definate plans. But what ever it is I want it to be secure. So far I've touched almost everything from Engineering (negative) to ditch digging (neg't)
Well I have a watch this evening so will close.
Remember, Dad, have a happy birthday —
Lots of Love,
Bud
Harlan Shirey Yenne Jr. S1/c RM