Artifact Friday: Sweetheart Handkerchief

With Valentine's Day in full swing this Saturday and our own sweetheart swing dance today, we are looking back on some heartfelt artifacts this Friday. Today we are looking at a kissed handkerchief that was a common memento given to soldiers in World War I and II.

This particular Handkerchief is from World War II. These handkerchiefs would either be given by the sweetheart to her beloved going off into war, or sometimes the soldier himself would give his sweetheart a handkerchief to remember them by. Common practices were for the giver to put their cologne or perfume on the handkerchief, and if it were a lady, to kiss it with lipstick on to leave a mark like in the handkerchief above.

Some women would attach their photos to the handkerchief to give another visual reminder of who was waiting for them back home. These were very emotional and significant items for both men and women, and were mementos that were dear to the heart. Some soldiers would put their handkerchief in their breast pocket and kiss it before charging into battle.

For some men who didn’t make it, they would send the handkerchief back with their friend to give back to their beloved or mother. Many men received these handkerchiefs from their mothers, sisters, and other members of their family to remember them as well. Many of these handkerchiefs would be embroidered as well; many had military identification like “air force” embroidered on it, or flowers, or words like mother or a name.

Not only were these personal mementos and morale boost for soldiers, but they also showed support for the war and support for the soldiers going off onto the battlefield. This Valentine's Day, think of your sweetheart and those who came before you. Love surpasses, even in war and hard times, which makes it even more special.