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The following is a guest post by Irene Lule, a Library of Congress Junior Fellow working with the Veterans History Project (VHP) this summer.

In today’s highly visual world, a popular type of YouTube video is the “soldier coming home” video. These clips are fairly basic in their premise. Someone captures the moment a service member returns home to a spouse, parent, sibling or even a pet, and the viewer vicariously experiences the emotional moment of learning a loved one is home and out of harm’s way. These same scenes have undoubtedly been playing out for as long as soldiers have been coming home, but to learn about the experiences of previous generations, we must rely on the words they left behind. In the case of World War I veterans, diaries, correspondence and memoirs all captured the pain of separation, and the joy of returning home.
Philip Scholz (right) with three fellow soldiers, Philip E. Scholz Collection (AFC/2001/001/00864), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
As a Junior Fellow with the Veterans History Project, my primary goal has been to increase the discoverability of our World War I collections. To this end, my project partner, Justina Moloney, and I were assigned to develop biographical and descriptive information on several of these collections. The end goal is to create a digital tool, a finding aid, for greater accessibility and discoverability of the collections. The following paragraphs will provide snippets of reunions or “coming home” moments for several World War I veterans, and highlight the impact early transportation and communication technology had on these veterans. They each present a unique insight into the war and America from 1917 to1919.
Portrait of Ewing Miller in uniform, Ewing Harry Miller Collection (AFC/2001/001/104012), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Ewing Harry Miller served in the U.S. Army from 1917 to 1919. Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Miller completed basic training at Camp Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, before moving to Camp Funston, Kansas. In February 1918, Miller was assigned to Camp Morrison, Virginia, an embarkation base for the U.S. Army. By early March 1918, Miller and the rest of the 481^st Construction Squadron set sail for France, where he would remain until July 1919. Miller maintained a diary throughout his service, and before he left for France, documented a surprise visit to his brother, Warren.
The surprise of my life came Sat after writing in this book, when the captain real casually told us we could go home after this over Sat & Sunday. Sanford & I promptly took advantage & ran for the station where we luckily caught a train immediately. When I arrived in T. Haute it was dark as could be 1 o’clock & I went out to Warrens & scared them with a midnight call. My Sunday was most enjoyable & the food & warmth were an inspiration.
Interestingly, VHP has another Ewing Miller collection in the archive. He served during WWII, and just so happens to be this veteran’s son and namesake. Ewing Miller, II’s collection is here.
Portrait of Peter Shemonsky in uniform, Peter Shemonsky Collection (AFC/2001/001/38915), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Peter Shemonsky was born in West Prussia, Germany, in 1878. After immigrating to the United States, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1898. Serving during the Spanish-American War and World War I, Shemonsky was stationed in all parts of the world including The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Texas, Massachusetts and Kentucky. The letters he wrote while in The Philippines increasingly tell of his desire to return to the United States and his wife. Their only form of communication was correspondence. After three years in The Philippines, he was able to see his wife, Olga, in California. Unfortunately, the logistics involved in coordinating a smooth reunion presented setbacks. Shemonsky returned from The Philippines through Angel Island, California. His wife lived in Connecticut. Shemonsky wrote on April 21, 1914 to Olga as he waited for her on the island. He expressed his frustrations towards bureaucracy, and their delay in seeing one another.
Here I have been since the 11^th of April and have not yet received any orders. I telegraphed to you the other day and I was in hopes that orders would be in any day and than [sic] I would let you know where to come. However I am still in the dark hanging around Frisco and this island and you can bet there is no plasure [sic] here for me (especially without you) as I have had my mind made up to meet you so soon.
Edward Loudenbeck was a farmer through and through. Born in rural Iowa, he spent the vast majority of his life in Michigan. He was drafted in the U.S. Army, and reported on September 21, 1917. In addition to keeping a very detailed diary, he corresponded with his two sisters, a brother, and other family on a continuous basis. In early 1919, Loudenbeck expressed his eagerness to return to the United States after nearly two years of service. By this time, he was with the Occupation Forces in Germany. He wrote to his sister on May 17, 1919:
The world is using me fine now and I [sic] feeling happy too for we are to start back to the good old U.S.A. and will be on our way long before this reaches you…Happy! Why shouldn’t I be for I want to get home and see you all so much. We have had to wait OH! so long now our turn is coming seems I can’t hold myself.
Unfortunately, problems confirming the Treaty of Versailles delayed his return. As a member of the Army of Occupation, Loudenbeck remained in Germany in case war was to be declared again. He wrote to his sister again on May 23, 1919, from Urbar, Germany.
Having had my mind all set to stay here till July first at the soonest, was agreeably surprised to learn a few days ago we were to set sail by June 7. Happy as could be getting paper work ready, then here comes an order that troop movements are suspended till farther [sic] notice. Say – but the boy [sic] were blue and how we did rage because Fritz didn’t sign Peace so we could have gone on our schedule time.
Loudenbeck finally embarked from Europe on July 25, 1919, and arrived home by train on August 9, 1919.

Frank Van Pelt was born in rural Arkansas and raised on a farm near Newkirk, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1917. Serving in a radio company, Van Pelt’s duties included listening to German messages sent over radio signals, transcribing the messages, and submitting them to code breakers. He was discharged on April 29, 1919. He wrote in his memoir:
‘Home at Last.’ The first to greet me was Carlo, who came up the hill barking at me. But after smelling me over he recoganized [sic] me and he nearly had a fit, he was so glad to see me.
My experience with the Veterans History Project has been emotionally complex for two reasons: the veterans’ youth, and their homesickness. Nearly all of the men whose collections I worked with were in their twenties when they entered the U.S. Army and left for Europe. Away for the first time, their letters tend to compare what they saw in Europe to life back at home. From their observations on French farming practices, food, religion and family, the reader is made keenly aware of their sadness. Not only were they far from home, they were in a hostile environment filled with disease, lice and death.

In a survey by YouGov.com, only 35% of Americans surveyed knew the year the United States entered World War I. As time moves along, it is important to remember not just the facts and figures, but the perspectives of the veterans who served. Though the last American World War I veteran died in 2011, surviving written materials provide an emotional connection between 1917 and 2017.

A muscular, buffed-up physique of six feet and one inch encapsulates Henry Cavill, who has found occult fame on-screen for his role as Superman and Netflix’s The Witcher.

Yet, when the cameras are not rolling, the British actor settles into his natural ways full of mannerisms that come from being a true gentleman. However, he would soon feature on the big screens with the Guy Ritchie directorial, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and showcase complete antipodal mannerisms from his real self.

Centered around a pivotal point in the Second World War, the movie, at times, does differ from history, but there remain good reasons for it.

Henry Cavill admits Guy Ritchie going over the top in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

In two weeks, movie-goers worldwide will come face-to-face with the second feature-length collaboration as an actor-director between Henry Cavill and Guy Ritchie in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

While the movie involves the narration of the heroics of the real-life Winston Churchill-led secret organization, the Special Operations Executive, the 40-year-old actor, in talks with extraTV, admitted fictionalizing a few details but defended it with “But, at the same time, it’s okay to have some fun with them”.

Cavill’s remarks stand to testify to Hollywood’s practice of tweaking historical scenes slightly for the enhancement of its narrative. Christopher Nolan did the same with Oppenheimer and thus, here is Guy Ritchie with his “hyperbole to the telling of this story” and adding flavor to the “bravery, heroism, and, madness of people like the SOE operatives”. Additionally, such deviations also make way for the movie to become fit for consumption by the masses and not turn into a historical documentary.

In the same round of talks, Henry Cavill also remarked about the true story appearing completely fictional even without any tweaks.

The unconventionality in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare stands absolutely real

In its first trailer, released weeks down the line, Henry Cavill gave a surprising first look at his Major Gus March-Phillipps character. Sticking his tongue out, featuring unkempt hair, a twirly mustache, a rugged outlook, and an unhinged appearance, sent fans into a frenzy for the fan-favorite actor debuting his first-of-a-kind acting appearance. However, the descriptions fit the historical perspective, and, in reality; the group engaged in unconventional warfare.

Involving unorthodox tactics of espionage, sabotage, and guerilla warfare, the SOE group gave rise to today’s black operations. Thus, when Guy Ritchie proposed the same narratives to Henry Cavill for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, he brushed them off saying “Don’t be so ridiculous”. However, he too realized that “When you really look back at what happened, you realize quite how mad it was,” setting the stage for the movie’s plot to come to life.

What are your reactions to Henry Cavill defending Guy Ritchie about going over the top in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare? Let us know in the comments below.

As for how Taylor’s fanbase got wind of the catchy tune? As Jason recalled, he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the song when it started to rise on the charts.“I sent out one tweet when it got to eight, and I got like 85 tweets from Swifties across the world saying, ‘Oh, you think eight’s good? We’re taking this to number one!’” he said. “And they did. It’s a powerful group.”

 

 

 

 

 

Travis then gave his own shoutout, adding, “Thanks Taylor, appreciate you and thank you to the Swifties.”

But the football stars aren’t getting jolly without a good cause. Travis and Jason also reminded listeners that their song is part of the upcoming album, A Philly Special Christmas Special, which also features tracks by Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles teammates Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.

Proceeds from the album, which releases Dec. 1, will go towards the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center’s Toy Drive and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Snowflake Station.know all too well how their song became a hit.

 

After the brothers’ holiday song “Fairytale of Philadelphia” scored the first spot on some charts following its Nov. 15 release, they took a moment to thank Travis’ girlfriend

New details emerge about the early stages of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance. The pop sensation and NFL champion went public with their relationship in October 2023, with their recent on-field kiss grabbing headlines after the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens on January 28.Here’s the scoop on how the couple’s love story unfolded.

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship Journey
The Swift and Kelce love story began in July 2023, with the NFL star attending her Eras Tour at Arrowhead Stadium, his home field with the Kansas City Chiefs. In November 2023, Travis Kelce revealed that after his initial unsuccessful attempt to give her his number, he enlisted the help of those close to Swift to capture her attention.Who played the matchmaker in Swift and Kelce’s love story? With mutual friends like actor Miles Teller and the possibility of NFL broadcaster Erin Andrews playing Cupid, the connections run deep. Notably, Andrews had urged Swift to “please try our friend Travis” on her podcast back in August.

From Message to Manhattandid eventually reach out to Kelce, and from that point on, things started to blossom. Recounting their initial exchange to WSJ Magazine, Kelce shared, “She told me exactly what was going on and how I got lucky enough to get her to reach out.”

 

Following some back-and-forth communication, the pair had their first face-to-face meeting in New York. Kelce expressed his perspective, saying, “I knew we could have a nice dinner and, like, a conversation, and what goes from there will go from there” regarding their inaugural date.

The low-key couple were spotted boarding a private jet in Rhode Island on Sunday, September 15. In the photos, they can separately be seen boarding the plane after a weekend stay at her mansion in the area. Taylor, who is reportedly worthy over $300 million, bought her first private plane back in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor and Joe were casually dressed for the plane ride, with Taylor rocking a white t-shirt, sunglasses and a cropped pair of faded skinny jeans. She finished her look with a low pony tail and her signature nude colored oxford lace-ups. Joe appeared to be wearing a black knitted top, as he carried his own black duffle bag onto the aircraft. An assistant could also be seen loading Taylor’s guitars onto the plane.

Taylor famously purchased her Rhode Island home in 2013 for a whopping $17 million. The 11,000 square foot home was built in 1930 and is located on the highest point in Watch Hill, offering stunning views of the New England area. It also boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a swimming pool along with 700 feet of shoreline access. The estate has been plenty of traction on social media over the years, as the home has played host to Taylor’s “squad” for several events, including her popular Fourth of July party.

The house made headlines in July after a man was arrested near the home, and reportedly was trying to “catch up” with the pop star.Taylor famously purchased her Rhode Island home in 2013 for a whopping $17 million. The 11,000 square foot home was built in 1930 and is located on the highest point in Watch Hill, offering stunning views of the New England area. It also boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a swimming pool along with 700 feet of shoreline access.

 

The estate has been plenty of traction on social media over the years, as the home has played host to Taylor’s “squad” for several events, including her popular Fourth of July party. The house made headlines in July after a man was arrested near the home, and reportedly was trying to “catch up” with the pop star.

 

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift forced him to move house, after his older brother Jason confirmed that the attention from fans and paparazzi had increased.

 

Travis’ relationship with pop superstar Swift has made headlines since he pair went public when Swift turned up at Arrowhead Stadium to watch a Chiefs game. It transpired that the pair had subsequently been ‘hanging out’ for a time, before Swift’s attendance to watch her new boyfriend.

She has been a regular throughout the NFL season, and that has meant spending more time in Kansas City, where Kelce lives – and has moved home recently, to live in a secure £4.5 million mansion for safety reasons.

Older brother, Jason, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, revealed all on ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq.,” sharing that fans found their way to Travis’ new home on the very first day.

“The Taylor world and the pop culture world, that’s a whole different level,” said Jason.

“The first day he moved into the new house, a gated community somebody knocks on the back window of the house.

Reports had suggested that Travis was worried his previous home wasn’t up to the standard Swift might be used to. His old house had become an unexpected tourist spot in Kansas City, according to TMZ.

The 34-year-old NFL star bought a new mansion at the end of last year and he and Swift are believed to have shared Christmas together, while juggling busy schedules.

After Swift finished the South America part of her Eras tour, The ‘Love Story’ singer was at home and away Chiefs games, in total watching 13 of his games during the 2023 NFL season. She even flew over 10 hours from Tokyo to Las Vegas to see him win his third Super Bowl.

Swift seems to be getting on well with Kelce’s family, including his brother Jason and mum Donna, as their relationship now reaches five months.

Now, Swift is back on stage, flying to Australia to carry on with her tour. Meanwhile, Kelce will have a six-month break from football after his Super Bowl win – the 2024 season doesn’t start until August, and the Chiefs are hoping to win their third Lombardi Trophy in a row.

Bethenny Frankel is clearing up any perceived bad blood with Travis Kelce over comments she made about his relationship with Taylor Swift.

Travis Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce recently responded to the former Bravolebrity’s remarks about his son being a “peacock” who “loves to be the center of attention,” having called Frankel a “troll” on Facebook. Frankel addressed the Kelce patriarch’s slight on Monday’s episode of her Just B with Bethenny Frankel podcast, clarifying that it was not her intention to criticize the Kelce-Swift relationship.

“Travis Kelce’s dad called me a troll,” she began the segment. “I do actually understand and admire a parent coming to their child’s defense, particularly when asked about it. I just wish he would have expressed an opinion versus just a verbal insult, because, you know, as we teach our kids, it’s better to express yourself than to just criticize.”

“I was saying usually there’s only one peacock in a relationship, and I dated a guy like that that was very over the top and very loud and gregarious and like needed to be the center of attention,” she clarified. “And I stand by that. I think that’s who Travis is. I did not mention him pushing his coach, which is a physical expression versus using your words and having a conversation, which is kind of like what his dad did.”

“He used an insult instead of using his intellect,” Frankel added. “So, the Swifties can come for me, but I’m going to defend myself. I have said that they were in my Mount Rushmore of couples, the two of them. I mean, they’re on top of the world. They’re both very successful. I’ve said that I literally think he’s a peacock, and there are two peacocks in this relationship, and it usually doesn’t work.”

Frankel added that the Kelce patriarch entering the discourse is “just funny.” “It’s sort of like the kids getting into the drama on the Housewives, or the husbands,” she said. “It’s just a little absurd, but it’s making headlines; so sorry, not sorry.”

28, took to Instagram on Tuesday, November 14, to share a sweet image of Patrick, 28, with Sterling, 2. In the image, Sterling sat on his lap while he wrapped his arm around her and held her hand.

At the time, he sported a Kansas City hoodie and backwards white hat while Sterling wore her pajamas and twinned her dad in a backwards pink cap. They both donned soft smiles for the snap.Earlier on Tuesday, Brittany posted a hilarious video of their son, Bronze, 11 months, screaming into the camera. He looked around the room while his mom laughed at him. He then reached for Brittany’s arm and held onto her hand.shoot, the family matched in red and black flannel pajamas. Patrick, for his part, donned a hooded top, while Brittany rocked a robe that tied around her waist. Sterling, meanwhile, charmed Us in a onesie while Bronze wore a sweat suit. Brittany and Patrick playfully held their kids upside down while they all laughed. Next, they cradled their little ones and beamed for the camera.

Elsewhere in the campaign, the family changed into black sets and posed together. Brittany lifted Sterling onto her shoulders while Patrick held Bronze against his chest. In another picture, Sterling reached out for her little brother and gave him a hug.

The parents opened up about their experience shooting for Skims in a press release statement.

“We loved shooting for Skims as a family and had the best time on set,” Brittany gushed. “The matching sets and prints are so adorable and cozy. Skims will be a staple for our entire family for the holidays and behind.”

Travis Kelce’s tiniest fans won’t be cheering him on from the bleachers at the 2024 Super Bowl.

After all, his sister-in-law Kylie Kelce revealed that her and Jason Kelce’s daughters, Wyatt, 4, Elliotte, 2, and Bennett, 11 months, won’t be making the trip to Las Vegas to see Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers Feb. 11.

“They will be at home,” Kylie told People in an interview published Feb. 8, adding that they tend to avoid the big events “as long as Dad’s not playing.”

“I think it’s a little bit controversial but even during regular season games, I don’t take the girls to every game,” she continued. “They’re still very young. A stadium with thousands of people can be overwhelming and there’s three of them. It can get hectic, it’s just a lot.”

And the mom of three admitted it’s a delicate situation.

“The thought of traveling cross-country with them [while] Jason’s going to be super busy, and putting them in maybe a stressful environment, isn’t ideal,” she explained. “We think they’ll be much, much happier to see Uncle Trav on the TV because it’ll be easier to see him and they can cheer him on that way.”

But rest assured, Kyle did confirm that she and Jason will be Travis’ cheer captains—alongside parents Ed and Donna Kelce—at Allegiant Stadium.

Even though Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett won’t be watching the game alongside their dad, there’s a good chance they’ll see a glimpse of him on TV. Since Jason and his Philadelphia Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs, he’s shown his support for his little brother.

In fact, Jason and Kylie joined Travis’ girlfriend Taylor Swift, in supporting the Chiefs during the NFL playoffs in Buffalo. And Eagles center took the opportunity to join the Bills Mafia, braving the cold temperatures to appear shirtless in the stands. As for what their little girls thought of the occasion?

Well, as Jason revealed, during the game he got text from Donna that read, “Ellie said ‘Dads boobs are showing’!”

And while it won’t be a full Kelce family outing to the Super Bowl, Jason and Kylie have given fans a glimpse at their family life. Keep reading to see more of Jason, Kylie and their daughters’ cutest moments.

Kansas City, MO — In a heartwarming turn of events, NFL star Travis Kelce recently made headlines as he finally popped the question to his long-time girlfriend, the globally renowned singer Taylor Swift.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, known for his prowess on the football field, surprised fans and followers alike when he orchestrated a dreamy proposal that left Swift overjoyed. The couple, who had been dating for an extended period, had been making waves across social media with their adorable moments and public appearances.

“She finally made my dream come true.” Travis Kelce was overjoyed as he finally popped the question to his girlfriend, Taylor Swift — See her response.

Kelce, unable to contain his excitement, shared the special moment on his social media accounts, writing, “She finally made my dream come true.” The post included a series of enchanting photos capturing the magical proposal, showcasing the couple’s love and happiness.

Fans of the power couple eagerly awaited Swift’s response, and the global sensation did not disappoint. Swift, known for her poetic expressions, took to her own social media platforms to share the news with her millions of followers. In a heartfelt message, she expressed her joy and gratitude, saying, “Beyond thrilled to spend forever with my best friend. Here’s to a lifetime of love and adventures.”

“She finally made my dream come true.” Travis Kelce was overjoyed as he finally popped the question to his girlfriend, Taylor Swift — See her response.

The engagement news quickly went viral, with fans and fellow celebrities flooding social media with congratulatory messages for the couple. The enchanting proposal and the couple’s genuine happiness have become the talk of the town, adding a touch of romance to the end of the year.

As the pair embarks on their journey towards marriage, fans around the world eagerly anticipate glimpses of the wedding plans and celebrations. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s love story continues to captivate audiences, proving that dreams do come true, both on and off the field.

Of course, the singing superstar and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end have been together for about half a year now. And they are showing NO signs of slowing down! Just ask insiders close to them — and their respective families — if you don’t believe us!

Related: Did Taylor Shrewdly Predict This Romance FIFTEEN YEARS Ago?!

In fact, ET did just that for a story published on Thursday afternoon. One source confirmed to that outlet how the two 34-year-old stars are “closer than ever” right now with their love life firing on all cylinders:

“[They are] closer than ever before and everyone around them can see that they’re an amazing match.”

Awww!

And that’s not all! Per that outlet, the insider also revealed how both the pop princess and the gridiron great believe “this is their time” to shine together in their romantic partnership:

“They love being together no matter what they’re doing and appreciate the little things in life. They try to lead as normal lives as possible as a couple and are enjoying the upswing and growth in their relationship. They believe that timing is everything and that this is their time.”
Love it! Timing really is everything!

It’s not just Taylor and Travis themselves who think this way, either. The source also said their families are shocked at how ecstatic the two lovebirds have been since linking up:

“Their families are both on board and everyone on Travis’ side loves Taylor and vice versa. It’s a supportive dynamic all around. Their loved ones have never seen either of them so happy and hope and believe that it will continue.”

Wow!!

This is a big deal, y’all!

The duo will both be in El Lay this coming weekend, too — but for different reasons. Travis is set to be there on Sunday afternoon for the Chiefs’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, Taylor will be in town for the Golden Globes on Sunday night. Once again, their professional lives link up! Sadly, though, it appears they will not be able to make it to each other’s public appearances due to timing issues. Ah, well!

Related: L-Bomb Alert! Travis And Taylor Appear To Be Going All-In With It!!

Yet that’s small potatoes compared to the big stuff here — namely that everybody in their orbit sees BIG things ahead for the happy couple! What about U, Perezcious readers?! Do U think these two have what it takes to last for the long haul?? Sound OFF with your love life takes down in the comments (below)!