Bowl Me Over

Delicious recipes that (most times!) end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over. My goal is to inspire you, making meal time more fun and less complicated!

Honoring Memorial Day

by 48 Comments

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.

Dad in uniform.
Dad in uniform.

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.

Honoring Memorial Day with a photo Private Guy E. Marker who served in the army.
Private Guy E. Marker, my Grandpa Guy who served in the Army.

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.

Western Union Telegram listing Guy Marker as Killed in Action
Western Union Telegram listing Guy Marker as Killed in Action

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.

Honoring Memorial Day - Grandma and Grandpa Guy at his retirement party.
A photo of Great Grandpa and Grandpa at his retirement party.

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!

A photo go my brother and I with my Great Grandma and Grandpa 1964
I still remember doing fun things with Grandma and Grandpa!

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!

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Comments

  1. Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says

    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.

    Reply

  2. KC the Kitchen Chopper says

    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.

    Reply

  5. Christine says

    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.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over says

      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.

      Reply

  6. Lovefoodies says

    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.

    Reply

  12. Diane says

    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!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over says

      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.

      Reply

  14. Daniel Clark says

    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.

    Reply

  15. Abigail says

    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.

    Reply

  23. Michelle Turner says

    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.

    Reply

  24. Liza says

    What 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!!!!!

    Reply

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