Heart-Line
by
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Mary sat in her usual seaside seat on the 7:31 AM train from Waterloo, Lower Hutt. As if wanting confirmation the commuters glued their eyes to the left side of the carriage waiting for the first glimpse of the harbor. They sat in silence resembling mutes, abandoning any hope once they viewed the harbor, now barren and destitute of the American fleet. It had been over sixteen months since Mary had first set eyes on the strange ships that brought the Marines from the 1st Marine Division, June 1942. She likened it to the waves that came thundering up onto the rugged rocks, alongside the carriages, their impact exploding from the sheer force of the mighty oceans, rising high and dispersing into walls of foam and spray. Mary was transfixed. She visualized the tides that transported the Americans to New Zealand shores in the beginning, distributing waves, undulating to the width, breadth of her small country. With them came a current of turbulent emotions. Thousands were to be caught in whirlpools of fervent love affairs. The tide that morning took 20,000 men and with them the hearts and love of the New Zealand people. Glancing around at the regular travelers, Mary observed that she was not alone as she cried openly. A pretty girl sitting opposite was shaking; her face was as white as a sheet. Reaching out Mary held her hand. The young woman’s other hand clutched a Marine gold emblem. The eagle made impressions on her soft skin. Was she one of the 500 Wellington women who had married an American?
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About the Book
The Marines had arrived unprepared. A little known Pacific gem lay guarded largely by its womenfolk. New Zealand in 1942 was left with few males--most gone in the past 3 years to overseas posts. Now the Marines had landed and the quiet island swung with excitement. Countless women and families opened themselves to their perceived heroes. Hearts were quickly engaged in sweetly intense relationships. The agonies and ecstasies of life experienced in compact moments with little security of future stability. This fictional story is based on fact of those whom made it back to their homes and loves--and those who didn’t.
About the Author
Dawn Valk was an impressionable young child living in New Zealand when the Americans landed. Eager to learn more about her saviors, Dawn researched and gathered true-life experiences from World War II veterans and their families over the years. Those recounted experiences have resulted in this poignant love story. Ms. Valk's lifetime dedication as an ambassador of goodwill was recognized by the then Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General C.C. Krulak in 1998. Dawn now lives in Australia.