U.S. Navy serviceman Raymond Boudet carved his romantic sentiments directly onto a coconut while stationed in Hawaii with the Seabees in 1944. He outfitted the organic package with military decals, addressed it to his wife Marie in Massachusetts, and paid 37 cents in postage stamps to clear military and agricultural inspections. After reaching its destination via a naval vessel and San Francisco, the artifact was eventually donated by Marie to the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum.
Key points
The coconut successfully navigated wartime transit, including cancellations by the U.S. N…: The coconut successfully navigated wartime transit, including cancellations by the U.S. Navy, naval censors, and the Department of Agriculture.
Raymond spent roughly a year and a half stationed in Hawaii prior to deploying to Samar i…: Raymond spent roughly a year and a half stationed in Hawaii prior to deploying to Samar in the Philippines to build a hospital camp.
The historical love token was permanently preserved at the Smithsonian's National Postal…: The historical love token was permanently preserved at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum following Marie's donation.
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Strawberries are popularised as one of the most romantic fruits in the world. Not only do they look like little red hearts, their history dates back to Ancient Rome where it was considered the symbol of Venus, the goddess of love, because of its bright red colour and intoxicating taste.
But, what if I tell you, one of the most romantic stories is that of coconuts?
It was back in 1944. Marie Boudet had received mail. Surprisingly, she found a coconut. It was sent by her husband, Raymond, who was currently a US Navy serviceman stationed in Hawaii during the Second World war. A closer inspection led her to discover something heartwarming.
Carved into the back of the giant seed pod was a heart pierced by an arrow, with the names Ray and Marie nestled inside it.
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The message was accompanied by another inscription, marking the Seabees' presence in the Hawaiian Islands between 1943 and 1944. A paper decal of a hula girl playing the ukulele added a rather tropical touch to the love letter.
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