1972 Letter From Vietnam

Society in America is getting away from large families. Most people are having fewer children which mean less siblings and less cousins. Controlling the population is good, but not having as many relatives is sad to me. My own children have only three cousins (all male). Poor Tif has no female cousins or any sisters to really commune with. Although, yes, she and Jon can talk for hours and hours without let up.

I have 16 cousins on my mother's side of the family and even more on my father's side. Even when you haven't seen a cousin in decades, you've got a blood tie.

It brought to mind one of my cousins. When we returned to Hawaii, he was there for me right away. Despite the fact that he has a horrendously busy schedule, he asked if we needed help with our house construction. I didn't want to impose on him, but when he learned that we were putting up our kitchen cabinets, he put on his tool belt and came right over. Whenever I need any sort of information, he's right there no matter how busy he is. All of his siblings have been especially dear to me. They made it their responsibility to check on my mom when we were away on the mainland. Their generosity and kindness has meant a great deal to me and my brother.

I remembered a letter I saved from my cousin when he was stationed in Vietnam. It brought to mind the happenings of the times and I thought I'd share it with you. I hope my cousin does not mind.

Dear Kay,

Hi! I just received your letter today and I’m so happy to hear from you. Letters are practically the only thing we live off out in this country.

I serve as a helicopter mechanic and side door-gunner, but I fly on very few missions, so please don't worry.

Everything over here is A-OK excepting for “tet.” Have you ever heard of it? “Tet” is now about 2 weeks away and it’s supposed to be an occasion when everyone in Vietnam gets one year older. They don’t get older according to their own birth date, but all at once on “tet”—I think. I’m not too sure if that’s it 'cuz we hear so many rumors-- I just can’t decide which is which but anyway, that’s the most popular one. It’s supposed to be like Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Memorial Day and Easter all combined into one day which makes the occasion most dangerous of the year — 'cuz the communist really celebrate by trying to eliminate us. But I’m not really trying to figure out the first part; the second part is just about enough for me— Heh! Heh!

Gee, so the time has arrived that even my dearest cousin decides to unite with someone, hmmm?! I think that’s really beautiful, so long as you make it one—and not hope for one, yes? I’m happy for you and it’s really neat—just don’t forget to have a lotta ice cream at your wedding for me. Oh, and of course, it is definitely my secret. Your fiancé is “an Air Force Captain?” Is he a pilot?

Hmmm... so Hawaii got hit by another dock strike huh? Gee, I wish I could help. Is there anything you would like from Vietnam? Well, I guess you’ll be running out of toilet paper shortly, so shall I send you some of our dried banana leaves, or of course, the very best, “Jungle leaves” ohhhh…. You just don’t know it, but both make excellent wipes (take it from an expert) – in fact, its good for three wipes. Please don’t hesitate to ask now. I will be more than glad to help. Hee! Hee! Nah, I’m only joking okay?

I don’t think I really miss anything from Hawaii, I guess that’s because I’ve already been home twice—excepting my airplanes. I really like bright colored airplanes with you know, red & white, pink, blue, light green & golden stripes or flowers on the tails and things like that—rather than all green and combat camouflage colors like over here. Yuck!

You know, Kay, doesn’t it seem like it was only yesterday that we were fighting over the bigger piece of cake at aunty’s house, and now we’re talking about marriage, love, society, etc., etc. Gee, we must be getting old, no?

Well, I must be going now so do take care of yourself, and thanks for writing. Bye now—
Your cousin
P.S. Any riots at the UH yet?

My cousin returned from Vietnam safely and became a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. At the time of the letter he was getting old, but he was only 21 years old.

As I said before, I do love having cousins.