TRANSCRIBED FROM THE FAYETTEVILLE DAILY DEMOCRAT APRIL 4, 1918 P. 3
Mrs. R. E. Kennard,
117 E. Lafayette Ave.,
Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Dear Mother:
When you see the country here you do not wonder that England has produced so many great poets. The whole of it is like a garden, and all the land is utilized. Everything is doubly beautiful after leaving fields covered with snow, and then getting off the restless sea and on to a land where the hills and meadows are a beautiful green.
Leave off the sober strain, it has no rightful place in a great war like this, smiles are much better and the impulse that creates them much healthier.
I am at present enjoying a good program at the Y.M.C.A. The place is so crowded that you would think it a mob scene, however, it is just a cosmopolitan gathering of American soldiers seeking amusement. They are a fine lot of fellows, that are able as are few people to adapt themselves to their surroundings and to make the best of them, whatever they may be.
The English are sacrificing everything to win this war. You do not know what it means until you go through the country. The American people, so to speak, do not realize that there is a war.
Well, I will say—truthfully—that I have a full stomach and that I am feeling as fit as a two-year-old.
Affectionately, your son.
Rolfe P. Kennard
NOTES: Rolfe Powell Kennard was born on November 18, 1889 in Lacrosse, Izard County, Arkansas and died on September 12, 1971 in Cave City, Floyd County, Georgia. He was buried in the Cave City Cemetery at Cave City, Georgia. He was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes and light brown hair. Kennard was a 1915 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. At the time of the letter which came from England and was dated March 5, he was serving with the 154th Aero Squadron.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT
Mrs. R. E. Kennard,
117 E. Lafayette Ave.,
Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Dear Mother:
When you see the country here you do not wonder that England has produced so many great poets. The whole of it is like a garden, and all the land is utilized. Everything is doubly beautiful after leaving fields covered with snow, and then getting off the restless sea and on to a land where the hills and meadows are a beautiful green.
Leave off the sober strain, it has no rightful place in a great war like this, smiles are much better and the impulse that creates them much healthier.
I am at present enjoying a good program at the Y.M.C.A. The place is so crowded that you would think it a mob scene, however, it is just a cosmopolitan gathering of American soldiers seeking amusement. They are a fine lot of fellows, that are able as are few people to adapt themselves to their surroundings and to make the best of them, whatever they may be.
The English are sacrificing everything to win this war. You do not know what it means until you go through the country. The American people, so to speak, do not realize that there is a war.
Well, I will say—truthfully—that I have a full stomach and that I am feeling as fit as a two-year-old.
Affectionately, your son.
Rolfe P. Kennard
NOTES: Rolfe Powell Kennard was born on November 18, 1889 in Lacrosse, Izard County, Arkansas and died on September 12, 1971 in Cave City, Floyd County, Georgia. He was buried in the Cave City Cemetery at Cave City, Georgia. He was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes and light brown hair. Kennard was a 1915 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. At the time of the letter which came from England and was dated March 5, he was serving with the 154th Aero Squadron.
TRANSCRIBED BY CAROLYN YANCEY KENT