Roses of No Man's Land - Fraternization & the Holidays 

During World War I, Army regulations forbade relationships between nurses and enlisted men, except for officers. However, this regulation was almost impossible to enforce. While soldiers were in the hospital, they saw American women for the first time since they had left the United States, and were often very interested in them. Many servicemembers and nurses dated and enjoyed each others company when they had the chance. For example, Wisconsin nurse, Aimee O'Keefe, saw a Private named Jack O'keefe (no relation), by convincing her superiors that he was a cousin so they could spend time together. 

"This is 7:30 pm Christmas Eve and I have just finished crying... Well I can't seem to finish this. Mother it is just awful to be away from home. This is my first Christmas away from home and it hurts."
                                   -Helen Bulvosky, December 24, 1918

 

Spending time away from family on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas was not a very cheerful time for those who were in France away from loved ones. Nurses made due with what they had to try and spread a little holiday cheer. They decorated their quarters, the mess, and the ward, as well as serving meals to patients and throwing holiday parties. Helen Bulvosky along with fellow nurses sang Christmas carols to the soldiers in the wards despite their sadness.