World War II War Brides Meet in Chicago
Just a quick and somewhat overdue post to round out the week (in the last few hours of same.) The Chicago Tribune carried a wonderful piece today entitled, “War Brides Recall Their Bittersweet Journeys.”
The story is about a gathering of more than a hundred foreign spouses of World War II soldiers in Chicago, all members of the World War II War Brides Association. I knew two war brides in my growing up years, both French women.
One was a silly little thing with a thick accent who managed to be rather adorable in a scatter-brained way. The other was the essence of elegance with lilting cultured tones to her speech. I’m sure neither ever expected to live out her life in a small West Texas ranching community.
One held herself rather apart, the other immersed herself in the life of the town. Just recently I saw a photograph of C. and her husband sitting in lawn chairs watching the annual rodeo parade. Although I’m sure she must be nearing 80, she looked as cultured and graceful as I remember her.
Many women like them have shared their stories on the homepage of the War Brides Association. Be forewarned. They make for compelling reading and you can’t stop at one. (The site is actively seeking additional personal accounts to record this very special legacy of World War II.)
WWII, World War II War Brides Association
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