Feature Letter of December 15th, 2025
Rimer, Val Max Harold
[Written by Trooper Val Max Harold Rimer, while stationed in Europe with the 2nd Armoured Regiment, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), to his mother in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Rimer survived the war and returned to Canada in 1946.]
Dear Mom:
Here I am again with a few more words. As yet I haven't received quite a lot of mail which I expect is on its way over to me, nor any of the parcels, but I hope that it will be here soon. There's nothing new with me, still feeling O.K. and well. In 10 days it will be Christmas, that should be about the time you receive this, that is if my mail is reaching you promptly. This is my second Christmas away from home and the last, I hope.
On New Year’s is your anniversary (Remember Pop!). I'm hoping that you and pop will be the best in wealth and health this coming year, and that you should see us home soon when we will go out and really celebrate your anniversary in a style that it should be. I want you and pop to go out New Year’s and celebrate as you never have before, just you two and forget about everything for the nite and when you write and tell me that you have, then I shall feel happy. Believe me mom after what I've seen over here, I'm only to glad to do my share, so as that you back home won't have to live like the people of this country do.
Whether I joined up for adventure, as you always said or anything else, I see now that it is the only thing to do, then you realize what you have in Canada regardless whether you are rich or poor. Money is no good to you if there’s nothing to buy and thats exactly the way it is over here. So even if you have money, you are poor. I hope you and pop bear up to it, like Abe and I are, as long as we know that you are well [and?] happy thats all we ask, so for our sake and yours, go out, celebrate, you can feel as proud of us as we feel of you.
You and dad must resolve this year that it shall be the happiest you've ever had, and when we come marching home, we will be proud of you for it. So folks, I'm quite a distance away, but with all my heart and soul, “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY” and may all the rest of your days be in happiness and peace. As the eldest, from Abe, Rita, May and “Tootsie.”
Your loving son
Max
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