Postcard from Ruggero Bacci, to his son Aldo Bacci, October 24, 1942

Postcard from Ruggero Bacci, written in Italian, to his son Aldo Bacci, October 24, 1942.

Internee Bacci writes to his eldest son, Aldo, that he is pleased to hear that he is well and that his mother's health is improving. He hopes Aldo received his postcard wishing him a happy birthday. He also wishes him a happy "name day" -- onomastico, and hopes it is the last one Aldo spends without his father.

In Italy, traditionally, children's names are often associated with a saint or martyr. Children would receive small gifts on their Saint's Feast Day -- celebrated as their name day.

Bacci was interned for almost three years. In his absence, his wife Erminia (Minnie) suffered a serious nervous breakdown and was hospitalized at length. Bacci's oldest son Aldo was forced to quit high school to help support the family. When his father was released and returned home, Aldo received notice that he was conscripted into the Canadian Army; however, he did not serve overseas.

This document forms part of a collection of documents and other materials on loan by the Bacci family.