Illustrious Signor

A transcription of a couple of pages in your grandfather's war journal:

Illustrious Signor-  There are tears of emotion which have no words and therefore I am sending you flowers that they may speak in my stead to the generous American soldiers.

Until the world will not have sentiment for a basis, it cannot be called civil; and now the sons of the United States have some to us impelled by only one cause-that of the heart - to defend humanity, insulted and torn to pieces; today the tears of so many mothers in anguish and sorrow.  Be they blessed with all my motherly soul and for all the mothers of Europe, and be they blessed for the glorious light which will resplend upon them for all the eternity of Centuries.

And to you, sir, the dearest gratitude of an Italian woman and may you be pleased to accept kindly my poor flowers.

Erminla D'Ilsbilo


Above letter sent to Col. Persons on arrival of the 4th Amb. Contingent in Italy June 27 1918.

Wow!  What an interesting perspective.  I don't often think about the citizens in the countries occupied by foreign military in wartime.  I also find it very interesting that your grandfather took the time to include this in his journal.