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 while serving in the American Armed Forces.
Honoring Memorial Day
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.
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.
Memorial Day Remember and Honor
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.
Who is Honored on Memorial Day
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 telegram was sent in error!
After being discharged from the Army, Guy Marker went on to marry, had four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren before passing away at the age of 73.
How to Honor Memorial Day
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.
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 when they received that telegram. How would I have reacted?
It’s really quite the story! Do you have a story to share about the Veterans in your family? Please comment below, I’d love to hear it!
I always enjoy time with family & friends on long weekends but also remember why we celebrate Memorial Day.
Ways to Honor Memorial Day
- Fly a United States Flag
- Attend a Memorial Day Parade
- Visit a cemetery and decorate the graves of fallen heroes
- Pause in remembrance, consider the true meaning of this holiday.
- Watch the National Memorial Day Concert – a service for the entire nation.
- Honor the dead by supporting living Veterans – volunteer.
“All gave some; some gave all.” Howard William Osterkamp, Korean War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient.
If you’re having a cookout to honor the holiday, here are a few of my favorite recipes to consider! Grilled Ribs or Instant Pot Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Deviled Egg Potato Salad with Strawberry Shortcake for Dessert!
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
May 25, 2015 at 9:39 amWhat 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:57 pmI think it was more common than we realize. Back then communication certainly wasn’t what it is now! Thank you so much.
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
May 25, 2015 at 9:55 amWow, 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:56 pmThanks KC – Happy Memorial Day to you!!
Debi @ Life Currents says
May 25, 2015 at 10:17 amI’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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:56 pmThanks Debi, it was quite the story & really neat that my Dad has the telegraph. He’s our family historian.
Tara says
May 25, 2015 at 10:23 amWhat an amazing post, so glad the telegraph was an error. Thank you for a great story!
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 4:01 pmYou are very welcome! Thanks for stopping by Tara and I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!
Christine says
May 25, 2015 at 10:48 amOh 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 4:01 pmYes, 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.
Lovefoodies says
May 25, 2015 at 11:28 amWow! 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:59 pmThank you so much – it was quite the story to tell, that’s for sure! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Erren @ Erren's Kitchen says
May 25, 2015 at 12:21 pmwow, fantastic story! Happy Memorial Day!
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:59 pmThanks Erren and Happy Memorial Day to you!!!
Janette@culinaryginger says
May 25, 2015 at 12:48 pmWhat a great read and story and glad it turned out well.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:58 pmThank you Janette!
Nettie says
May 25, 2015 at 1:33 pmThe same thing happened to our Uncle Pete, three times! His poor parents! Beautiful photos, such a special day. Nettie
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:58 pmWow! And three times? Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine what his parents went thru! Thanks Nettie for stopping by.
Lois says
May 25, 2015 at 1:48 pmIt’s very nice to remember moments like this. Love the story.
Bowl Me Over says
May 25, 2015 at 3:57 pmYes, it is amazing, huh Mom?!!
Healing Tomato says
May 25, 2015 at 4:37 pmWhat a beautiful and happy surprise to hear that he was still alive. Great story and your grandparents are very nice people.
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:28 amThank you Rini, it is really something.
Diane says
May 25, 2015 at 4:51 pmI 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!
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:24 amThank 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.
Joanne T Ferguson says
May 25, 2015 at 5:15 pmWhat a great post Debi and Happy Memorial Day!
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:26 amThank you Joanne – Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!
Daniel Clark says
May 25, 2015 at 5:34 pmA 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:22 amWell 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.
Abigail says
May 25, 2015 at 6:53 pmWow, 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:27 amI know, can you imagine? Pretty amazing!!
Elena says
May 25, 2015 at 11:06 pmWhat a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:27 amThank you Elena, Happy Memorial Day!
Katerina says
May 25, 2015 at 11:24 pmWhat a beautiful story to share! Happy Memorial Day to you!
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:26 amThank you Katerina – Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
May 26, 2015 at 9:37 amMy goodness what a mistake to make.
Bowl Me Over says
May 26, 2015 at 10:21 amYes, crazy huh? But after posting, hearing from others, it happened to several folks.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
May 26, 2015 at 6:07 pmWhat a touching post. We celebrated by honoring our family members who served.
Bowl Me Over says
May 27, 2015 at 9:46 amSo great to hear Jessica – that’s what the holiday is all about!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
May 27, 2015 at 6:49 amWhat 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!
Bowl Me Over says
May 27, 2015 at 9:45 amThanks Linda! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!
Lois says
May 27, 2015 at 8:40 amA great family story . Has been told many time. Every time you hear it, it is wonderful.
Bowl Me Over says
May 27, 2015 at 9:45 amYes it is, I so agree Mom!
Lois says
November 11, 2015 at 11:42 amLove to read the story again and again.
Michelle Turner says
May 28, 2018 at 6:57 amWhat 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.
Bowl Me Over says
May 29, 2018 at 5:58 pmThank you Michelle – honoring our heroes. <3
Liza says
May 26, 2019 at 2:01 pmWhat a great post! Indeed – it is SO important to actually think a bit about what this day means! With all the pre-summer partying and bbq fun it’s important to honor and memorize the ones who lost their lives to make this world a better place! THANK YOU!!!!!
Bowl Me Over says
June 13, 2019 at 3:34 pm❤️❤️❤️