• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bowl Me Over
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Instant Pot Guide
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Me
    • Work with Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
×

Home » Travel, Adventure and Fun

Honoring Memorial Day 2023

Published: May 30, 2022 · Modified: May 25, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 50 Comments

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.

Dad in uniform.
Dad in his Army uniform.
Jump to:
  • Honoring Memorial Day
  • Great Grandpa Guy
  • Memorial Day Remember and Honor
  • Who is Honored on Memorial Day
  • Honor Memorial Day 2022
  • Ways to Honor Memorial Day 2022
  • Related content

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.

Honoring Memorial Day 2022 with a photo Private Guy E. Marker who served in the army.
Private Guy E. Marker, my Grandpa Guy who served in the Army.

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.

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 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.

Grandma and Grandpa Guy at his retirement party.
A photo of Grandpa and Grandpa at his retirement party.

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!

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 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!

Related content

For more family adventures and fun, be sure to check out these blogs:

  • What's Happening at Bowl Me Over
  • Family Night with the Oakland A's
  • Thanksgiving in Oregon.

More Travel, Adventure and Fun

  • Debra Clark and Matt from KSEE24 talking turkey on morning television.
    Talking Turkey
  • Deb & Dan with Santa Sculpture with Holiday Cheer Gift Guide Overlay
    Holiday Cheer Gift Guide Updated for 2021
  • Box wrapped in holiday paper with holiday gift guide overlay.
    Brussels Sprouts Lovers Gift Guide
  • Beautiful Library with granite pillars.
    Make your wishes known

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 [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda (Meal Planning Maven)

    May 27, 2015 at 6:49 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 27, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Thanks Linda! I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!

      Reply
  2. Jessica (Savory Experiments)

    May 26, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    What a touching post. We celebrated by honoring our family members who served.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 27, 2015 at 9:46 am

      So great to hear Jessica - that's what the holiday is all about!

      Reply
  3. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

    May 26, 2015 at 9:37 am

    My goodness what a mistake to make.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:21 am

      Yes, crazy huh? But after posting, hearing from others, it happened to several folks.

      Reply
  4. Katerina

    May 25, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    What a beautiful story to share! Happy Memorial Day to you!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:26 am

      Thank you Katerina - Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!

      Reply
  5. Elena

    May 25, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Thank you Elena, Happy Memorial Day!

      Reply
  6. Abigail

    May 25, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    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
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:27 am

      I know, can you imagine? Pretty amazing!!

      Reply
  7. Daniel Clark

    May 25, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    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
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:22 am

      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.

      Reply
  8. Joanne T Ferguson

    May 25, 2015 at 5:15 pm

    What a great post Debi and Happy Memorial Day!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:26 am

      Thank you Joanne - Happy Memorial Day to you also!!!

      Reply
  9. Diane

    May 25, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    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

      May 26, 2015 at 10:24 am

      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
  10. Healing Tomato

    May 25, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    What a beautiful and happy surprise to hear that he was still alive. Great story and your grandparents are very nice people.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 26, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Thank you Rini, it is really something.

      Reply
  11. Lois

    May 25, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    It's very nice to remember moments like this. Love the story.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:57 pm

      Yes, it is amazing, huh Mom?!!

      Reply
  12. Nettie

    May 25, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    The same thing happened to our Uncle Pete, three times! His poor parents! Beautiful photos, such a special day. Nettie

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Wow! And three times? Oh my gosh, I can't imagine what his parents went thru! Thanks Nettie for stopping by.

      Reply
  13. [email protected]

    May 25, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    What a great read and story and glad it turned out well.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you Janette!

      Reply
  14. Erren @ Erren's Kitchen

    May 25, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    wow, fantastic story! Happy Memorial Day!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks Erren and Happy Memorial Day to you!!!

      Reply
  15. Lovefoodies

    May 25, 2015 at 11:28 am

    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
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      Thank you so much - it was quite the story to tell, that's for sure! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

      Reply
  16. Christine

    May 25, 2015 at 10:48 am

    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

      May 25, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      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
  17. Tara

    May 25, 2015 at 10:23 am

    What an amazing post, so glad the telegraph was an error. Thank you for a great story!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 4:01 pm

      You are very welcome! Thanks for stopping by Tara and I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day!!

      Reply
  18. Debi @ Life Currents

    May 25, 2015 at 10:17 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks Debi, it was quite the story & really neat that my Dad has the telegraph. He's our family historian.

      Reply
  19. KC the Kitchen Chopper

    May 25, 2015 at 9:55 am

    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
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks KC - Happy Memorial Day to you!!

      Reply
  20. Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?

    May 25, 2015 at 9:39 am

    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
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 25, 2015 at 3:57 pm

      I think it was more common than we realize. Back then communication certainly wasn't what it is now! Thank you so much.

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

How I started over in life by Debra Clark
Why soup means so much to me.

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I'm the Soup Queen! I send warm greetings from sunny California.

More about me →

Tater Tot Casseroles

Tater Tot Casserole Recipes

Reader Favorites

  • Stack of chicken sandwiches on plate.
    Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
  • Slow cooker filled with chicken and gravy with ladle of meat.
    Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
  • Cowboy Cornbread casserole in baking dish with serving spoon.
    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
  • Casserole dish filled with Cracker Barrel Cheesy Potatoes being serve with a spoon.
    Cracker Barrel Cheesy Potatoes

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Me
as featured in

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Debra Clark