War Brides. Not a subject that comes up every day. But my Uncle George married a Japanese Lady during the Occupation. My friend in Grade School his Dad married a German girl. My Uncle Bill's best friend and the Best Man at his Wedding, married a British Girl. And in my old Apartment days, before I got married, one of my neighbors married a Vietnamese Girl he met over there during that war.
And strangely enough, I met a guy who had to ship all the War Brides home from Britain. He said it was both a paper work and logistic nightmare. I had no clue how many GI's married German Girls during the occupation.
And my buddy over in England, his Aunt married a Yank...and moved to the USA way back in 1947.
My Aunt used to go to "War Bride" gatherings. I didn't even know that was a thing. And the Queen Mary hosted a gathering...as I gather so many of them came over on the Queen Mary.
Today is Valentine's Day...and it is all about love. And I think the War Brides kinda proved that Love does conquer all. Some of these War Brides were from the Enemy Side. Other's.. like the Brits and French Brides- were from completely different cultures. And the Japanese and Koreans...well, entirely different language, history and religions!
Yet a young man met a young woman, and in spite of the situations around them, they fell in love. I can't imagine falling in love, and leaving my entire family behind. Not knowing if I will ever see another living relative in my lifetime. My British friend's Mom, didn't see her sister for almost thirty years after she left (on the Queen Mary!) for the good old USA. Just letters, and later, short phone calls, as calling International was truly expensive.
My Uncle did the reverse, and moved to Okinawa so his bride could be near family.
I know there had to be a whole lot of adjustments made by the families and the brides. Heck, two of my Uncles would never buy a Japanese made car. And if you bought one....they were a bit colder towards you. One of my Comedy Buddies, as wealthy as his family became, they would never ride in a Mercedes. Cadillacs only. So I am sure there was a dark side to bringing home a "War Bride". And the kids, had to deal with being from two different cultures.
And yet, most of those marriages were a success...and lasted the rest of their lives. Not sure if the more recent Wars had many "War Bride" scenarios. I do know of a SF guy who fell in love over in Libya...but he never married her or brought her home.
I don't want to dwell on the negatives they had to fight through to keep together. I do want to point out that young love, is universal, and just getting your Bride home...was more of a challenge than most of us ever faced in the first years of our marriages.
Proud of them all.
Any War Brides on RP?