March 21, 2019: Rockford Reunion in France

 This is the last article written by my great grandfather Victor during his time in France during World War I. He may have written more but they weren't published in the newspaper and thus have been lost to the ravages of time.

Victor holding the pipe in his hand on the right

Bordeaux, France

March 21, 10:00 P.M.

My Dear Folks and little Joe,

This has been one of the most enjoyable days I have had since I have been in France. I think I told you in my last letter last night that I had seen Earl L. and that I was going to meet him in town this morning. I met him at the Midi station in Bordeaux about 8:30 a.m. We were willing to sit in the back seat and let the chauffeur drive as we had a lot more interesting things to talk about that to remark about the scenery. We located Sam and Rufus about 10:00. While looking for them I had gotten in the front seat, as it was easier to get out and in. The side curtains were on the back and we ran into Sam just as he was going up the alley from the medical billet. Of course he recognized me and I said, "look at this fellow in the back seat," and he was so surprised that he couldn't say a word for a second or two. Old Rufus fell all over himself when he saw Earl. They had been expecting me but had never thought of seeing him. I had four papers and we read them (Rockford Registers) and we talked about home and everything. Everything is a sort of a slang word with us, as we say or tell what we saw and then end up with "and everything." We all resolved that Rockford was the best place in the U.S.A. and also the best place on earth, and that the fellow that ever kicked about Rockford before us would be risking his life. A sergeant came in to have his arm bandaged and made the remark that from the size of the paper we had Rockford wasn't much of a place. Believe me, he made a hasty retreat, with apologies thrown in. Gee, it almost seemed like we were back home and were at Gish's or some similar place, just talking over happenings of the past. It rained most of the day but it could have rained pitchforks and it wouldn't have bothers us in the least, as we couldn't be worried about the weather. The day passed all too quickly, and just before leaving we took some time exposures with my camera and we remarked that we could be talking of today when we are old and feeble.

Perhaps one of the "timed exposures" mentioned above. Victor is second from right

It sure is a day that will never be forgotten. We left at 5:00 p.m. and arrived in Bordeaux at 6:00. As we had 40 minutes till Earl's train left we thought a little lunch would help out, so we went up to the Y, and had a hot chocolate, sandwiches, U.S. jelly and ice cream. It was the first ice cream Earl had seen since he left the U.S. Earl couldn't thank me enough for what I had done for him and I didn't think I was doing a thing, as I got just as much enjoyment out of the day as he did, and, if it were possible, I believe I had more. I took some chocolates out to Rufus and Sam and we all ate our share. It was the first they had seen for a long time, and it did me good to see Earl light into them. He ate them all the way out. Would you ever think a fellow that had eaten them all his life, and in a grocery store to boot, would be so crazy over candy. We all remarked that we would appreciate things that we never did think of at home. It certainly makes a fellow realize what has been done for him in the past. I also took along some canned peaches and Earl was planning on the feast they would have when he got back to camp. We are going to try to have another family reunion before we return. I am going to take some papers out to the boys or send them some. I left my papers out there and am going to drop them a card and ask them to send them to me as I have no read all of them. We all decided or agreed that we would be ready to settle down when we got back and that we had seen enough of this old world to hold us for several years. For once in my life, I consider myself fortunate for having a lot of work to do, as it keeps my mind off of thinking about home and going home. Sam and Rufus are killing time as you might say, so it Earl, and they all said they wished they had something that could keep them so busy that they couldn't find time to think about anything else. They all remarked they would have something to write about tonight, so I imagine that there will be four letters crossing the pond all dealing with the same subject, "Reunion of four, rough necks from Rockford, Iowa, U.S.A." Well I must close and retire, as the lights have been turned out in the barracks for some time. The fellows want to go to sleep and are threatening to throw shoes at me.

Lots of love,
Sgt. Victor S. Kuck,
800 Aero Squadron
2nd Art. Obs. School

Victor linked arms in the middle with a lady in a white top on either side