During last summer and fall, when I knew I would have to go into the army but didn’t know when, I often wondered where I would be and what I would be doing one year hence.
Little did I think that I would be seeing the sights of Broadway, Times Square, and Manhattan in general on the evening of July 3rd – 4th. But that’s just what I did!
Two friends of mine and I got 12-hour passes Saturday night, and we decided to visit New York. It’s certainly a city worth seeing, believe me! I’ll bet Spokane would look pretty small to me now.
Our train went under the Hudson River by way of the Holland Tunnel, and we got off at Pennsylvania Station, which is quite a structure itself. You really have to visit the city to appreciate it, for no place I have seen, including Chicago, can compare with it.
Soon after we got there, we went to a large cafeteria at 7th Avenue and 37th and had a good dinner as soldiers will do. I had (for 80 cents) breaded veal cutlets, mashed potatoes, string beans, cantaloupe, rolls, apple pie, and milk.
For the next few hours we roamed about town, amazed by the number of people and size of the many skyscrapers. However, we occasionally gained sufficient consciousness to whistle at a passing girl (as good soldiers will do). Seeing Rockefeller Center, a group of 14 huge buildings, was a particular treat. We intended to go to a movie, but never did get around to it.
During our last hours in the city we had a good time at New York’s famous State Door Canteen. While we were there, several Broadway celebrities came in and did a few numbers for the boys. We wound up the evening there with group singing.
I guess that’s enough about my being in New York…, for I have several other things to say. However, I do feel very lucky in being able to visit the city — it’s the thrill of a lifetime for someone who has spent most of his 20 years in a very small town.
I am going to send my wrist watch home tomorrow and ask my parents to have it repaired for me. I think that all it needs is cleaning, but I’ll ask that the jeweler do whatever is necessary to make it run.
I sent home $33.00 for my insurance. I think I have enough money left for my personal expenses, but if I run short, I will write Mom and Dad for money later in the month.
I have explained to Mom and Dad that when they write me, they needn’t write on both sides of the paper. If and when letters are censored, the censor may have to cut something out of the letter – anything on the reverse side of the page would, of course, be cut out unintentionally.
[letterstohome copyright 2008]