The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-05-01
EASTER LETTER FROM TRENCHES
 TO HIS FLOCK Extends Blessing to Strat- ford Parishioners From
 War Torn France.
STATES HE MAY NOT
 EVER PREACH AGAIN
Rev. Kennedy is Serving at Base Leading to Trenches
 Where Big Shells Break.
Easter. Letter from Chaplain o. Clark
 Kennedy to Christ Church Parish.
Headquarters, Fist Regiment En, gineers (Iight Railway. American Expeditionary Forces.
 March 22. 1918.

My dear Peoples
 This Easter greeting will reach you late but I trust that some of the Easter joy will still remain. Joys as Of other years are not with us now but there is perhaps at least for many of us joy of that service to the utmost that we have missed in the past; and I think that you at home in very many ways are giving that service more than those of us at the Front. Here where the big guns roll and the angel of death is abroad in the land things take on a rather1 different aspect than in former years yet our life is not one that gives time for much thought. It would be impossible for me to preach a sermon-perhaps it will never again be possible-but a few simple funda- mental facts are impressed upon us here as never before; characters of men stand out as though outlined in fire. And I want to tell you all that the army of the United States, Our Army, is not found wanting. Our Easter greetings from the Front are a peculiar mixture, part homesick- ness, part carelessness, part indiffer- ence, but also part determination, steadfastness, faithfulnesss resolution, conviction that this must be fought to finish in order that real Easter joy may come again into the world.
 The enclosed verses somewhat adapted express better than can that which many of us find here at the Front. I see much that goes on. The Light Railway leads from it's base up to the trenches and we see the men going in and coming out. We are not under the constant strain nor ] the bad living conditions of the 1 trenches but we work where the big fellows break, so that we get our taste of excitement and danger. Our men stand to it well and through gas, shrapnel and shell, continue the little game of ammunition and sup plies. And we are more contented here than behind the lines for we really seem to be a little nearer do- ing our part.
 In the letter of dead French sol dier we found this phrase, 'If God permits war, the best way of serving Him is to wage it and perform above all ones duty as a soldier" This is about our creed here. We know lit tie that is going on. You at home probably know much more. We can cnly play the game. From reports of home you are all of you settling down in earnest to the struggle and denying yourselves more and work ing harder than most of us here.
 God bless you all It is impossi- b1e for me to write to you individu- ally but you are all in my thoughts constantly and a greeting to each one of you goes with this note. I thank you with all my heart for your care of the family in the rectory and wish for you all not freedom from anxiety and strain for such at present we cannot rightful1y have, but strength to serve and joy in serving. For Christ is Risen and we serve Living Saviour.
 Affectionately,
 Your Rector,
 c. CLARK KENNEDY, Chaplain, N. A.