Hellertown & Lower Saucon V-Mail archives

Fourth of July Fireworks in Hellertown, 1943 and Now

 

A Story to Ponder the Changes in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Over 80 Years

Emma stood in Dimmick Park on the Fourth of July, watching children wave American flags while families unfolded lawn chairs and blankets for the evening fireworks. The smell of grilled hamburgers drifted through the warm summer air, and laughter echoed across the park.

Her grandfather, Tom, smiled as he unfolded a faded piece of paper he always carried on Independence Day. 

 

“What is that?” Emma asked. “It’s a V-Mail letter from July 1943,” he replied. “The Saucon Valley Defenders Committee sent it to the men and women serving in World War II.”

Emma carefully read the words. The letter explained that there had been no hometown fireworks that year because gasoline was rationed and pleasure driving was restricted. Instead of celebrating with parades and picnics, many people spent the day working in their Victory Gardens. The writers joked that they had “left the July 4th fireworks up to you,” knowing American soldiers were creating far bigger fireworks on battlefields around the world.

“They must have missed home,” Emma said quietly. “They did,” Tom answered. “The letter listed neighbors serving in North Africa, Australia, the South Pacific, Texas, Georgia, and dozens of other places. Everyone in Hellertown knew someone who was away.”

Emma looked around the park. Families were taking selfies. Children chased bubbles. Veterans gathered beneath a large American flag, shaking hands with younger service members.

“So today is different,” she said. “In many ways,” Tom replied. “We can drive here, enjoy music,   and watch fireworks without worrying about ration books or blackout drills. Most of us celebrate   with freedom that others protected.” 

As darkness settled over Hellertown, the first firework burst into brilliant red, white, and blue. Cheers filled the night sky. Emma pensively imagined the people who had written that V-Mail eighty-three years earlier. They couldn’t know who would read their words generations later. They only hoped the young men and women serving overseas would remember that home had not forgotten them.

As fireworks continued to animate the sky, Emma realized their meaning had never really changed.

In 1943, the brightest fireworks were seen on distant battlefields where Americans fought to preserve freedom. Today, the fireworks above Hellertown celebrate the peace and independence those brave service members helped secure.

As the grand finale filled the sky with color, Emma folded the old V-Mail and handed it back to her grandfather.

“Happy Fourth of July,” she whispered.

“Happy Independence Day,” Tom replied. “And thank you to those who made it possible.”

* * *
To read the original July 1943 V-Mails sent to Hellertown and Lower Saucon residents

in the military around the world, read the V-Mails below.

To view all 80 V-Mails in the collection, go to the image link in the left sidebar.

Click the download buttons.  This will download a searchable Adobe PDF file that

will allow you to search for any name or word in the V-Mail files.

* * *