30 thoughts on “I didn’t write this!”

1. I like the juxtaposition, Roy. How ironic on the timing of the arrival of the letter, too. As crazy as it might sound, I believe that evil exists in a limited form and that the form is ever-changing, but still evil. Is it possible the Hitler became Osama Bin Laden? In my book, yes.

   Thank you for sharing this amazing letter with us – it really gives pause for thought. (And, I clicked on your link for your thoughts on evil but received a 404 error.)

   1. Thanks for your comments, Lisbeth.
      There is a tradition that matches your sentiments, Lisbeth. Some believe that Hitler was a descendant of the Amalek, the group that was to be totally eradicated (and, obviously, never was). {They were so condemned because instead of fighting fairly (which, back then, meant ;like men’) they attacked opponents from the rear, where the women, children, and feeble were maintained And, destroyed them utterly.)
      Thanks for the heads up about the link, too. I switched the longer link for a shorter one. (These keyword links, which are based upon real word titles, are very convoluted. The short link is basically domain.com/XXXX, where XXXX is the number of the post.)

      Roy

2. Great post. I would never have thought to write a note on Hitler’s letterhead if I had been in his shoes. But a very fitting reminder that souvenirs and mementos are not what are found in souvenir shops, but the real things that call to mind real experiences.

   1. David:
      So nice to meet you! And, you are so right. As I wrote to Suerae Stein, many of us are moved by moments in history to eloquence that we rarely duplicate. It’s only because this moment between a father and a son involved someone who reached the pinnacle of clandestine power- AND his son was willing to share it with the world, can we be included in these events.

      Roy

3. Wow – a powerful letter, Roy. And so true and so sad that the price to rid the bad in society is high. Thanks for sharing this. ~ Suerae

   1. You are right, Suerae. It’s amazing how a private moment between father and son can put history into context. Who knows how many other such private moments exist. Events can help each and every one of us develop an eloquence that resounds. It’s only because this father became CIA chief, and his son was willing to share the private moment with the world, that we are so moved in public.

      Thanks for the comments!

      Roy

4. A very profound letter that I suspect was underestimated at the time in the truth it holds. Evil is such an interesting term. In this case the writer is correct I think. Mankind was much better off with Hilter removed from this world.

   Some people believe that nothing happens with out a reason. Did the letter arrive at this time as a repeat of the message? Fascinating to consider isn’t it. As always I leave your blog with much to think about Roy.

   Blessings

   1. Bonnie:
      I am fairly certain that Dick Helms was trying to leave his child a lesson. It hit him when the bunker was captured and he wanted to share the moment and the lesson for his child. Given that I have done the same for my children- and have had no desire to share many of those observations with the world. (OK- I have shared some, and I believe there is one actually in the queue of this blog that started as a private note to my children.
      I also was intrigued by the date that Helms’ son managed to transport the data to the museum. As, I know the curators are…
      Who knows?

      Roy

      1. I agree, Roy. This was an historic piece of stationary and the father was trying to impress upon his child the lesson of evil that mankind is capable of and to instill in the child that this was historic. What a powerful way to communicate this lesson, stunning.

      2. Oh I totally agree with you Roy. Mr Helms was trying to impart a lesson to his son, but I wonder if he realized how truly and deeply profound his words would come to be considering the path the world has taken?

         Wonderful how this piece of history moved through time and space to arrive just on that day.

         1. Touche, Bonnie

5. This is an awesome piece of historical memorabilia. I wonder if Mr. Helms just took one piece of stationery or if there are other letters like this floating around.
   I am glad that this letter will be preserved as a reminder of the high price of ridding the world of evil.

   1. My guess is the Helms took more than one, but that is pure supposition, Janette. And, who knows if others took such stationery.
      We are lucky to see this piece of private memorabilia preserved and shared. (How many letters from your parents did you get- or save?)

      Roy

6. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. But knowing what is evil early enough is the challenge

   1. Yes, Roberta. We could be tempted to allow “The Minority Report” to become the norm, if we listen to some of our politicians. There is a fine line between deterrence and inference. And, the inference becomes the true problem…

      Roy

7. What is one man’s letter to his son is another’s link to a major historical event. What anguished blogs that you, Roy, have put out to us on the web might one day be the explanation used to instruct school children? Never underestimate the power of the pen, no matter how many pens are at work.

   1. Thanks, Ann, for your comments and wishes!
      Touche…

      Roy

8. It’s easy to forget about the insane things that take place here on Earth…

   The whole story around Hitler and his incredible power to sway the minds of others coupled with utter insecurity and deep self loathing is a pitiful and disastrous one.

   Let’s hope that something positive to come out of the digital age is that there’s enough of a web of ‘good ideas’ to block the spread of such pestilence ever again.

   Have to say, like David, it probably wouldn’t have ever crossed my mind to write on his letter paper if I were in that guy’s shoes…

   1. Jym-
      Thanks for your additions to the discussion.
      That really is the point of history- to study what happened before and do better when a similar situation arises. Would that it be so…

      Roy

9. Whoa Roy that gave me chills. When it is all said and done, we all are human beings, good or evil and we all start by being born, no choice, but to live the best way we can. This was really an amazing letter and you always share such amazing history and information, thanks Roy!

   1. Lynn-
      I had the same reaction. Which is why I wanted to share it with everyone.
      Thanks for dropping in and leaving your comments!

      Roy

10. Quite a powerful piece and so true. My relatives who fought that war would say that the price was high but they fought willingly to take down this evil. My uncle was a POW of Hitler’s for three years and amazingly made it back alive. He even kept his journal which he turned into a book, rather poorly written but a great first person account that I cherish.

    1. And, well you should, Bonnie.
       It’s that sort of his-story that will help your children and your children’s children have a better understanding of who they are and from whence they came.

       Thanks for that addition!

       Roy

11. Thanks for dropping in, Jen!
    I was dumbfounded when I first saw this.  I knew I had to share it!

    Roy

12. Taking a stand often comes with a price, but never as high as the if onlys. Powerful post.
    Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre recently posted..Living Your To Do List or Your Life?

    1. Thanks, Tambre!
       Glad you found the post resonant!

       Roy

13. This is chilling actually! Thanks for sharing this 🙂

    Who knew history connected in wondrous ways…
    Hajra recently posted..What are you looking for?

    1. Yup- it got to me, too!
       Thanks for visiting, Hajra.

       Roy

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