A steady stream of letters linked people on the home front with their loved ones who were fighting overseas. Many families made writing a group affair and sent letters at least once a week. Others wrote a letter or card every single day.

Children whose fathers were away from home on military duty were profoundly affected by the separation. Older children missed their fathers and longed to see them again. They lived in fear that their fathers might be killed in battle. Younger children and infants grew up without knowing what their fathers were like or what it was like to have a dad at home. Absent fathers anguished over missing milestones like a first step or a birthday.

Letters proved to be the best way to keep separated families close. The following excerpt comes from an article titled "Far-Away Father," written...