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    BOOKS + FILM

    "A Thousand Letters Home" Author, Teresa K. Irish

    Presented by Birmingham Public Library at Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch

    December 6, 2012


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    Following the death of her father, Aarol W. “Bud” Irish, in 2006, Teresa Irish opened the Army trunk that had resided in the family home her entire life. There, nestled in row after row, were her dad’s nearly 1,000 letters from WWII. Visited only by him over the course of six decades, the letters were postmarked from Nov. 1942 to Dec. 1945. The fragile, yellowed pages were written to Bud’s parents and to the sweetheart...

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    Following the death of her father, Aarol W. “Bud” Irish, in 2006, Teresa Irish opened the Army trunk that had resided in the family home her entire life. There, nestled in row after row, were her dad’s nearly 1,000 letters from WWII. Visited only by him over the course of six decades, the letters were postmarked from Nov. 1942 to Dec. 1945. The fragile, yellowed pages were written to Bud’s parents and to the sweetheart who would later become his wife, Elaine Corbat. From lonesome, moonlit nights listening to the Hit Parade, to the foxholes and front lines in Germany where Bud would receive the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and two Bronze Battle Stars, to correspondence with the heartbroken mothers whose sons died by his side, this is a moving and historic story of life and loss, hope and perseverance, unwavering faith, and true love. A Thousand Letters Home is comprised of 320 of these poignant letters and 104 corresponding photographs and documents.

    This firsthand account through the eyes, heart, and words of one soldier mirrors the journeys of many who served in WWII. From training camps across the U.S.A., to Ports of Embarkation where they boarded ships and crossed the ocean to fight on foreign soil, millions of young Americans were abruptly pulled from civilian life and thrust into the unfamiliar world of a military at war. At every opportunity, Bud poured his thoughts and feelings into his letters, all amidst reassuring words to loved ones a world away. Unable or perhaps reluctant to recount what they had experienced, many veterans chose to spare their loved ones the detailed atrocities of war – these would be their own personal burdens to bear for the remainder of their lives. Read the book’s introduction and letter excerpts and view the photo gallery at www.AThousandLettersHome.com.

    A Thousand Letters Home was named Reviewer’s Choice by Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch. The Military Writers Society of America called it “a fascinating book” and “a treasure trove,” and concluded “highly recommend.” In November 2012, A Thousand Letters Home received Honorable Mention in the 20th Annual Writer’s Digest Self Published Book Awards which included over 3,000 submissions. Hard and softcover books will be availalbe for purchase. A great gift for the holidays! This book is for the children, grandchildren, and future descendants of all veterans. This book is for all Americans…Lest we forget.
     


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    Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch

    2100 Park Place
    Birmingham, AL 35203

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    Phone: (248) 647-1700


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