Honoring Memorial Day
How are you celebrating Memorial Day? Today is a holiday often spent relaxing with friends and family – grilling, visiting and enjoying a three day weekend. However Memorial Day was created to remember everyone who has died serving in the American Armed Forces. The holiday started after the Civil War to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in battle. It became an official holiday in 1967.
My Dad served in the Army from 1959-1962.
Dad in uniform.
My Great Grandpa Guy was also in the service. He served in the Army during World War I. Private Guy Marker was 22 years old when he served with the 30th Infantry Division, Regiment 119th Company M.
Private Guy E. Marker listed as K.A. (Killed in Action)
This Division was one of two U.S. Army Divisions assigned to the Hindenburg Line in the Battle of St. Quentin Canal. Total casualties were 8,415 – Killed in Action were 1,237.
Western Union Telegram
This is a copy of the telegraph his parents received on November 9th, 1918. It reads;
“Joseph (Guy) E. Marker, R7D1 Marietta Minnesota. Deeply regret to inform you the Private Guy E. Marker Infantry is officially reported as Killed in Action October tenth, 1918.”
The family was devastated, but imagine how elated they were just days later when they received a letter from their son. He wrote them from the hospital in England where he was recuperating and explains he was shot, but after he recovered, he’d be returning home. The telegraph was sent in error! After being discharged from the Army, he went on to marry, had four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren before passing away at the age of 73.
Guy & Ester at his retirement party.
This is a picture of Grandpa Guy & Grandma Ester at his retirement party. After serving in the Army he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years before retiring and below is a great picture of my brother & I with Great Grandpa Guy & Grandma Ester in 1963.
Quite the story huh? I try to put myself in his parents position way back when they received that telegram. It’s really quite the story and I’m happy to be sharing it with you.
Guy, Ester, Donnie & Debbie 1963
I always enjoy time with family & friends on these long three day weekends, but also remember why we celebrate the day.
“All gave some; some gave all.” Howard William Osterkamp, Korean War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient.
What a horrible thing to make a mistake about. I am glad your grandfather recuperated, and was able to live a wonderful life. Thank you to your family for their sacrifices to keep the country safe.
I think it was more common than we realize. Back then communication certainly wasn’t what it is now! Thank you so much.
Wow, I got chills just reading this. Both when I thought he was killed and when I read that he was alive and recuperating. What a wonderful story.
Thanks KC – Happy Memorial Day to you!!
I’m glad the telegraph was not correct, and your Grandpa went on to live a long life. What a nice story to share on Memorial day with us. Thanks.
Thanks Debi, it was quite the story & really neat that my Dad has the telegraph. He’s our family historian.
What an amazing post, so glad the telegraph was an error. Thank you for a great story!
You are very welcome! Thanks for stopping by Tara and I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!
Oh wow, I can’t imagine experiencing a mix-up like that. I’m so glad it was an error, but how awful for parents to go through the feeling of loss an devastation, even if just an error.
Yes, pretty amazing, but those were extraordinary times! My Dad remembers the stories Grandpa used to tell and it was really something. We are lucky and blessed for the sacrifices others gave for freedom.
Wow! That is certainly a roller coaster of emotion to learn such sad news and then be shocked with what was to follow. You have a lovely way of telling the story. Thank you for sharing it with us all.
Thank you so much – it was quite the story to tell, that’s for sure! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
wow, fantastic story! Happy Memorial Day!
Thanks Erren and Happy Memorial Day to you!!!
What a great read and story and glad it turned out well.
Thank you Janette!
The same thing happened to our Uncle Pete, three times! His poor parents! Beautiful photos, such a special day. Nettie
Wow! And three times? Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine what his parents went thru! Thanks Nettie for stopping by.
It’s very nice to remember moments like this. Love the story.
Yes, it is amazing, huh Mom?!!
What a beautiful and happy surprise to hear that he was still alive. Great story and your grandparents are very nice people.
Thank you Rini, it is really something.
I know a family that wishes with all their heart to have received such a letter in error. They lost a son in uniform recently. I’m so grateful for all our soldiers in uniform are doing to serve and protect. I’m so happy you have such a great story to tell! Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you Diane – and my condolences to your friend. So many have paid the ultimate sacrifice and the pain families bear is so hard to comprehend. Thank you for sharing.
What a great post Debi and Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you Joanne – Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!
A very personal tribute to this day and it reminds us to reach out to our own family veterans and find out their stories for thanks and appreciation.
Well said – there’s so many stories out there, it would be wonderful to hear from our families. Many thanks to all of those who served.
Wow, what an amazing story! Must have been quite a shock when they got the telegram and then pure happiness thereafter! Thank you for sharing this.
I know, can you imagine? Pretty amazing!!
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Thank you Elena, Happy Memorial Day!
What a beautiful story to share! Happy Memorial Day to you!
Thank you Katerina – Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!
My goodness what a mistake to make.
Yes, crazy huh? But after posting, hearing from others, it happened to several folks.
What a touching post. We celebrated by honoring our family members who served.
So great to hear Jessica – that’s what the holiday is all about!
What a beautiful story Debra. I am so happy it had a happy ending. Thank you for sharing this very important part of your family history with us!
Thanks Linda! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!
A great family story . Has been told many time. Every time you hear it, it is wonderful.
Yes it is, I so agree Mom!
Love to read the story again and again.
What an amazing story. It brought tears to our eyes….like when we drove by the cemetery filled with flags for our fallen.
Happy Memorial Day. Remember our heros.
Thank you Michelle – honoring our heroes. <3