I've been going through some of the old memorabilia that I have collected over the years from my family. It's probably the most prized collection of possessions I have, and my only regret is that I don't know who's going to get it after me. So far, none of the next generation have shown any interest yet. Well, passing interest when a school project comes due but that's about it. Time will tell.

The above is the back and front of two pieces of Allied Military Currency, brought back by my Uncle. The Italian piece has written on the back 'freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear.' Still relevant today, I think.

Allied Military Currency was issued for use in France, Germany, Italy, Japan and for a short time in Korea, Denmark and Austria. Some of these currencies saw service in other parts of the world as well. As a general rule, the use of this currency was in response to local Black Market activity and the associated need to stabilize the local economy. They were issued for use by military personnel only and generally on base only. In some cases the civilian population would accept these notes for goods or service and discover that they could not exchange them for the local currency. Many soldiers brought these notes home as mementos and now sixty years later they are collectible as a part of military history.