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 those who have died while serving in the American Armed Forces.
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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.
Many of my family members have served in the military.
My Dad served in the Army from 1959-1962.
Dan's Dad was in the Navy and served during the Korean War. His uncles also served in the military as well.
My Uncle Gene was a Marine and served in Vietnam.
Uncle Jerry was in the Navy and on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain when Astronaut Alan Shepard was plucked from his space capsule when it splashed into the ocean!
Great Grandpa Guy
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.
K.A., in the above photo, stands for Killed in Action.
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 that 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. He explained he was shot, but he'd be returning home after he recovered.
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.
Honor Memorial Day 2022
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' shoes when they received that telegram. How would I have reacted?
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 I also remember why we celebrate Memorial Day.
Ways to Honor Memorial Day 2022
- Honor the dead by supporting living Veterans - volunteer.
- Fly a United States Flag.
- Attend a Memorial Day Parade.
- Thank a veteran.
- 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.
"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!
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Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
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!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Linda! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
What a touching post. We celebrated by honoring our family members who served.
Bowl Me Over
So great to hear Jessica - that's what the holiday is all about!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
My goodness what a mistake to make.
Bowl Me Over
Yes, crazy huh? But after posting, hearing from others, it happened to several folks.
Katerina
What a beautiful story to share! Happy Memorial Day to you!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Katerina - Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!
Elena
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Elena, Happy Memorial Day!
Abigail
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.
Bowl Me Over
I know, can you imagine? Pretty amazing!!
Daniel Clark
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.
Bowl Me Over
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.
Joanne T Ferguson
What a great post Debi and Happy Memorial Day!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Joanne - Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!
Diane
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!
Bowl Me Over
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.
Healing Tomato
What a beautiful and happy surprise to hear that he was still alive. Great story and your grandparents are very nice people.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Rini, it is really something.
Lois
It's very nice to remember moments like this. Love the story.
Bowl Me Over
Yes, it is amazing, huh Mom?!!
Nettie
The same thing happened to our Uncle Pete, three times! His poor parents! Beautiful photos, such a special day. Nettie
Bowl Me Over
Wow! And three times? Oh my gosh, I can't imagine what his parents went thru! Thanks Nettie for stopping by.
[email protected]
What a great read and story and glad it turned out well.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Janette!
Erren @ Erren's Kitchen
wow, fantastic story! Happy Memorial Day!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Erren and Happy Memorial Day to you!!!
Lovefoodies
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.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much - it was quite the story to tell, that's for sure! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Christine
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.
Bowl Me Over
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.
Tara
What an amazing post, so glad the telegraph was an error. Thank you for a great story!
Bowl Me Over
You are very welcome! Thanks for stopping by Tara and I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!
Debi @ Life Currents
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.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Debi, it was quite the story & really neat that my Dad has the telegraph. He's our family historian.
KC the Kitchen Chopper
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.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks KC - Happy Memorial Day to you!!
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
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.
Bowl Me Over
I think it was more common than we realize. Back then communication certainly wasn't what it is now! Thank you so much.