Armistice Day and Post War Europe
Hendrickson was in Europe during Armistice Day, "Every body hurrahed" and the Americans twirled with the French, dancing euphorically to the regimental band's melodies. (November 11, 1918), pointing out his (and the band's) central role in the celebration. Hendrickson also reflected in his diary, “at the 11 hour of this 11 day of the 11 month our guns stopped shooting[.] add the 3 elevens & you have 33rd. Div. Thats us….band came out and played and every body hurrahed. One of our fellows grabs a froggie and began dancing to the band music. Every one was yelling, froggies & all - Le Guerre finie.” (November 11, 1918)
The 33rd Division was posted in Luxembourg as part of occupying forces. When he was granted time off, Hendrickson explored Europe and traveled with the band. He visited Monte Carlo, Nice, Monaco, and the Italian Alps. The 129th Infantry band was kept busy playing for appreciative audiences.. In his diary Paul wrote about this, claiming "My lip about exhausted [-] over two days [of] hard work” (January 2, 1919).
Hendrickson also experienced strong feelings of homesickness, and a hospital stay in Echternach, Luxembourg. "I'll admit I am - lonely - homesick, disgusted - sarcastic - grouchy and any thing else along that line you would be of a mind to add. I am getting such a soured disposition here of late, that I imagine by the time I get home I will be rotten with contempt, It may be quite honourab[l]e to be kept over here - but any one is welcome to my share of the honour - if he can get over here & relieve me - & I know of hundreds & even thousands that look at it just as I do." (Feburary 11, 1919).
While in Northern Europe the regimental band also had the honor of playing for the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg. While Hendrickson was very proud about this honor, he also clearly demonstrated how much he favored the American political system rather than the Luxembourgian system of divine royalty. "Thank God I've been born in a country where - if you don't have much of an opportunity, its possible to create one and go up continually, while here - you advance to no higher plain than the one you are born in." (Janurary 08, 1919)
Beyond just general homesickness, Hendrickson also spent a week hospitalized in the Echternach Monastery with the flu, viewing the time as "a jolly good rest." (February 22, 1919) Hendrickson also put his time in the hospital to sketch the arches of the monastery, along with reading his copy of David Copperfield. Following his hospitalization Hendrickson did a little bit more of his European sightseeing, heading to the Mediterranean coast, but even in this beautiful scenery he still felt deeply homesick.