The previous post described how some of Aunt Marian’s items were donated to the Pennsylvania Military Museum in the early 1980s. When the donation was made, her sister Ruth wrote a letter that described Marian . Here’s another portion of Ruth’s letter:
She never married, which she explained by saying the man must have been killed in World War I. Therefore he must have been “the unknown soldier” in Arlington, Va! So she would make a point of visiting the tomb and drop a flower there every time she was in Washington, D.C. (We had a sister 2 years older than Marian whose husband was in World War I that lived in Washington, D.C.)
Florence was the sister who lived in D.C. I keep going back and forth on whether I think Aunt Marian actually had a boyfriend who died in WWI. I tend to think that she didn’t, but that it was a fun way to joke around with her sisters. What do you think?
My Aunt the WAC 
They say that’s theres always a fraction of truth in a joke…..😉but I haven’t found that statement as always accurate.
LikeLike
Saying it would be one thing. Leaving the flower is another. I suspect there’s some sort of truth in what she said, but I wouldn’t even begin to judge what it might have been. Another mystery!
LikeLike
Probably did not have a boyfriend or it would have been known. But I’ll bet the unknown soldier has had many girlfriends over the years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be sweetly sad if she did. I hope it is true! 🙂
LikeLike
I too was going to say that I hoped it was true even if that would make it sad.
LikeLike
Why not her man? He was certainly someone’s. Bravo for keeping a memorial flower for somebody’s someone special. Happy Easter.
LikeLike
A hint of truth maybe…someone she thought about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps the opportunity to have a husband died in WW1.
LikeLike
The poignancy of her words and actions really move me. So many young men died in that war . . . never to marry whomever they were fated for. The notion that “her” man was one who died, before she could meet him, is romantic and so sad . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Sheryl, it’s so nice to be visiting your blog (or any blog) for the first time in a couple weeks!
And yes, I love that she joked around with her sisters!
LikeLike
I think it was a good story that was also a reflection of the times.
LikeLike
I really love that she left a rose, and if this reflected a joke of sorts, I also wonder if it was designed to camouflage some pain.
LikeLike
There is a lot of mystery and lots of questions when trying to put a story together from long ago as you well know Sheryl. I’ve just begun my Alaska story from the letters of my mothers! Wanted to let you know…Hope you don’t mind my link. ~Elle http://wp.me/p36w0d-T9
LikeLike
It’s too bad that you can’t unlock the mystery! It is so cool she would always place the rose for the unknown soldier! Have a wonderful Friday and great weekend! Hugz Lisa and Bear
LikeLike
I agree with those who said she meant that her unknown husband died in the war, not meaning anybody specific. Probably just a reply to those who asked why she wasn’t married.
LikeLike
Hi Sheryl!!! Happy Mother’s Day!
LikeLike
Hey Sheryl,
Just checking in … it’s been awhile since you’ve posted and I wanted to make sure all is well!
LikeLike
Thanks for checking on me. All is fine. I’ve just been very busy with other things–and am taking a bit of a “blogcation”. I’ll be back blogging soon!. I appreciate all of the comments and kinds words from you and the others.
LikeLike
Glad you are well and are able to take a rest. You have given us all so much. Thank you and will hang on until you are back!
LikeLike
Thanks for your kind words.
LikeLike
Hust checking in and saw your comment…glad you are okay and just taking time off:)
LikeLike
Was just checking up on you too – a blogcation is something we all need to do occasionally. Glad you are okay.
LikeLike
Me too! Hope all is well with you and yours!
LikeLike
Thanks everyone for checking on me. I appreciate it. Everything’s fine. I’m enjoying the beautiful summer days, and just haven’t had time for much blogging.
LikeLike
I took a month off and now just posting sporadically for a bit! Good luck!!!
LikeLike
Found you again! I have been thinking about you and decided to check your old blog and voila! Looking forward to following you once again and getting to know your aunt…
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Janet’s thread.
LikeLike