Below is a letter I wrote and sent to the National Archives’ Personnel Records Center on behalf of my great uncle, Nelson Anderson, who was lost in World War II. I would like to share it with the world and maybe encourage someone to do the same for your loved ones.
My name is Isabella Anderson. I am the oldest daughter of Timothy Anderson, the one requesting these records. Nelson Anderson would be my great uncle. My older family members continue to tell me of what an amazing and honest person he was. I really wish I could have met him.
I have always been interested in WWII. I love studying the subject, reading books, and visiting museums. Recently, before Covid-19, I went to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, and found out that there is a way to get records from WWII Veterans. It was then that I decided to do my research, as the only thing my family knew about his death was that he was killed in Italy. After doing some research on local websites, I discovered that my great uncle was labeled DNB or Died Non-Battle, which is not what my family had been told. Then I started asking my family and extended relatives on everything they knew, and I found out some very interesting things. Some of them were not even the same. Although it was interesting, it was not a lot of information, which is understandable.
My last step to solve this mystery is to get every known piece of information on my uncle. If it is possible, my dad and I would please like any records, tags, mentions or personal possessions you are able to give us. Since he had no children and all his immediate family are deceased, it is our responsibility to keep his memory alive. Everyone from that war deserves to be remembered for their bravery and honor.
After all, they were the bravest of us all.
C’est notre responsabilité pour être la voix des personnes qui ne peut pas parler.
Light Through Darkness by Harper E. Anderson
This painting was inspired by the light of the world and the shadow that can consume you. Light always overpowers darkness even when it is your own shadow.
About the author and artist…
Isabella is 14 years old. She continues her love of the French language and is in the middle of her 8th grade year at a French Immersion school in Lafayette, LA. She enjoys reading various genres of fiction and nonfiction as well as writing fictional stories. She is a member of the Fencing Club and is looking forward to continuing her love of travel.
Harper is 12 years old. She is a 6th grader in the same French Immersion School as her older sister, Isabella. She continues her love of the French language and enjoys painting, sketching and drawing. Her biggest love is Oliver, a white Persian cat who is the apple of her eye.