Letter of condolence from John Curtin to Mr Joyce, 1944
Letter of condolence from John Curtin to Mr Joyce, 1944Copy
16.3.44
My dear Mr. Joyce,
All of us know how inadequate words are when the deepest feelings are seeking statement; I find there is not in me the means to tell you how much I am moved in sympathy with you and your wife and your family in the great loss all of you have suffered. In this I know I am among a great company of friends whose hearts prompt them to tender you such confort [sic] as friendships can give in the circumstances.
War is a frightful calamity. Its general tragedy sweeps into the homes of so many and when its cost includes a loved son the general becomes so personal that it borders on intrusion to just proffer sentiments of grief for those who grieve.
Yet it cannot all be loss. There is pride in the duty the dear dead completed to the last full measure of devotion. And there is hope that example will reproduce in the living the graces of he who has been taken away. Maybe we do not know enough of life and death to talk or write about it. But I feel the dead are not dead to those who loved them and in whose living there will be incorporated some part of that unbreakable affection which makes a family the earthly locale of what we mean by heaven. If I could I would help. But I can say Mrs. Curtin and myself feel for all of you most deeply and send you our loving sympathy.
Yours faithfully,
(Sgd.) John Curtin.
© Copyright Curriculum Corporation and , 2005, except where indicated under Acknowledgements.