Today as I was browsing through Wikipedia, I stumbled upon this article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surviving_veterans_of_World_War_I Now I understand that this isn't about WWII but there are not a lot of WWI communities out there and I thought it would be really interesting if we sent a letter or email to each of the surviving vets asking for a signature or an answer to a small question, noting too long. Is this doable or do you guys think it would be too difficult? If anyone would be interested to help me with this just say so. The main problem that I can see would be finding their addresses.
I think it is a nice gesture but even trying to talk to alot of WWII vets these days is hard as their health and mental awareness have gone down hill. There are many exceptions but for 100+ year olds, I think you are talking mission impossible.
Actually, finding the addresses wouldn't be that difficult. I'm speaking from experience since I have been able to track down many veterans. I wrote to many German vets between 1999 and 2002...and a few in 2005. I decided to cease my attempts shortly after 2002 when I learned that one of my most cherished correspondents, Erich Topp, was deteriorating in health and memory. Many of these German RKT veterans received hundreds of letters each week and I decided that in good conscience I couldn't continue writing except to a few that I had developed good relationships with. I think that these WWI fellows should be left alone. They are well up in years and should be allowed to live out their days in peace...regardless of what info they could offer. Just my opinion...
I kind of had that feeling but I just wanted to throw the idea out there. I can't really imagine being a WWI Vet (80 years old +) let along a WWI Vet (100+). Thanks for responses but it looks like I should leave these Vets alone.
Hello Tox, Actually it all depends on the personality of the veterans. Some will be very happy to be contacted, especially those who are not famous and have been trying to tell their story to people who don't even care. I have convinced some veterans to come to conferences and they love passing on their stories to the new generations. I forgot who said that "every old man who died was library that burnts", so if they appreciate your interest, I would say go for it. If they do not answer you should respect that. Also it would be nice to add a small bill in your letter. Suppose you get a hundred letters a months and would have to pay for all the stamps etc... no wonder veterans don't answer all the time. I have had some great experiences by contacted these guys, including finding their old buddies for them after more than sixty years and bring them together. Also, when you organise a commemoration, they will mostly be proud to attend and when former enemies pay tribute to the same death it is something really strong that should be lived by as many people as possible.
Thats what my initial reaction is but... This is what I'm afraid of. If anyone wants to help me with this, please tell me because I doubt I could do it alone. If no one is interested, I'll just let my idea go.
