Take the time and go to your local ceremony as well. That is what we should be doing this weekend. Memorial Day is about keeping the faith in our nation, and doing it with your neighbors.
When my son was young the Cub Scout Pack he was in worked with the VFW or (I think it was) the Legion to put flags on veteran graves the Saturday before Memorial day. They seemed pretty enthusiastic and took instruction on how to place flags well (though, honestly, it wasn't quite compliant, but they were 6 to 10 year olds).
When we could find a bugler/trumpeter, we'd form up render honors and play taps.
Not sure what the kids got out of it, but the parent certainly felt they were doing a good thing.
Agree. I was at the Normandy cemetery right at 1 year ago now. It is immaculate like they all are.
For a different perspective, one should visit the German cemetery. They don't have a government organization to fund and oversee it, it is all volunteer. And while it doesn't have the golf course manicuring the American cemeteries do, it is well kept. Though the overall feeling is much more somber than the Americans.
From my first hand experience the folks in Brittany do a wonderful job commemorating Allied and their own sacrifices. I was struck by how many young people participate.
William: My parents (it was all my Korean War vet father's idea) took me and my sister to Normandy in 1970 and the memories have lasted to this day. I have a photo of myself as a young boy, looking out to sea from a shell-pocked German coastal bunker. We saw the American cemetery. On the same trip, I may also have visited Patton's grave in Luxemborg and also recall viewing some Teutonic grave stones of German soldiers (may have been from WWI); more like moss-covered boulders, dark and ponderous; a very different feeling than the stark white of the American crosses, along with the occasional Jewish star. I also peered into the ground-level window of the Douaumont ossuary at Verdun, filled with bones. That's a sight that will never leave me.
I have been to the big US military cemetery in South Korea, too, in 2010, the year before my father passed, when I joined one of the Korean Government's sponsored tours for veterans of the Korean Conflict.
American kids need to be shown what happened, and how American men (some, barely men) lost their lives for an ideal, and for each other.
Honor the Fallen! Thanks for posting this on perhaps our most hallowed secular holiday - at least in our household - serving from when we got off the boat, 2 great-great uncles as Doughboys in the Great War, grandfathers in WWII, Dad in RVN, brother in Desert Storm (I missed it...Ranger School), Afghanistan Iraq, as a Commander, even deployed my son to combat when it was his turn. The Republic owes us nothing, we owe it our part in manning the ramparts...and to honor the Fallen. Here's to Bear, Solo, Todd the Medic and the others who paid the ultimate price. Skol!
Speaking of the Dutch (apologies to Michael Caine), CSPAN is airing a program on Saturday May 24th at 1745 EDT: Robert Edsel, “Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II”...if your local weather impacts your ability to enjoy the great outdoors, CSPAN also has a host of specials over the weekend, to include a Hillsdale College discussion on the Vietnam War on Saturday 8 am/pm & 10:37 am/10:35 pm (all EDT I think).
Strongly recommend the US Military Cemetary in Luxembourg, and just about anything in Normandie! Particularly Point du Hoc!!!
The overall consensus was that the American, British, and Canadians were there in overwhelming numbers and they simply didn't quit. They were an unstoppable force and there was no way the German defenses were going to prevent them from taking a beachead.
Speaking of the Dutch. My first deployment was to the North Atlantic in April 1967. I recall liberty in Rotterdam. Friendly town. But there were some anti-war protestors making noise in the streets. I was in uniform with a few friends walking around town when we encountered them. I say "encountered" but we sailors in our Dress Blues and white hats were never the protestor's target in any way. Some random man in his late 40's came up to us and said that those people were just "Provos", that we should not mind them much and that the Dutch still remember America for what she did for the Dutch people in WWII. He bought us all a beer. That guy was my dad's age. Dad was in the ETO from 1943 to 1945 and served from 1939 to 1961.
Sadly, all but a very few of that generation is gone. But they do still remember and care in pockets here and there.
The houses along the coast in Normandy are decorated with American and British (and probably Canadian, though I don't remember that for sure) come this time of year.
My Sergeant Major and I spent Easter weekend in April 2017 in Normandy...everyone was friendly and appreciative of us Yanks. Hired a local guide to take us around - well worth the 100 euros it cost us...side note: he told us about a RT flight he took on Norwegian Air from Paris to SFO for only $159 USD...of course, that was pre-pandemic and hyper-inflation, but might be worth checking out if folks can plan out six months or so. Spent Easter Sunday on the Abbey at Mont St. Michel...recommend a four-day sojourn to Normandy to anyone interested.
Agree on Mont St Michel, truly a bucket list visit. Would have been a bit better if it wasn't drizzling the whole time along the coast. But it seemed kind of appropriate.
I was on the Normandy beaches tour, IIRC "6 days" (which is really 4 as both ends are travel). The tour company is called Beaches of Normandy Tours...you can guess what they specialize in. Though they do the 101st Airborne tour and Normandy to Berlin with 3rd Army as well. I was fortunate to have two of their best guides, one a Normandy specialist (Christophe something or other) who was very, very good. He had done a lot of research including many interviews with veterans he met visiting the area. Essentially gathering eyewitness accounts of common soldiers who were part of some the most famous as well as very obscure parts of the battle. We had two busses full with our tour, each with their own primary and local guides. Our bus did way better from what I heard. But still, highly recommend them, especially if it's your first time and you don't know what all is in the area to see. I could have spent at least another day or two just to do the museums justice (though I move slowly through them compared to most).
Oh, and the nice thing about it was that we stayed at one hotel the whole time. So no having to get packed and luggage on the bus by O-dark-thirty. And it didn't hurt that the hotel was in Bayeux so "The Tapestry" is a few blocks away and the medieval cathedral definitely worth the visit.
That is pretty cool, and that he brought you gents a round as well! "Bravo Zulu", as you mariners say! And hat tip to your father's service as well! Amsterdam in 2017 reminded me more of Baghdad than anything else, but the folks out in Walcheren and other areas were very friendly....and very tall!
I have been to several German cemeteries as well. Very somber with darker colored markers but as you say very well kept. Every time I visited there were several German markers with fresh flowers! Their markers also included birthdates and the range of ages of German war dead was amazing. Most of our war dead was very young!
Yes they were! I did visit a German cemetery that had the remains of Michael Wittman…the famous Panzer warrior who had many documented kills. He is buried with his entire crew in Saint-Germain-du-Pert, France. That cemetery has four remains per marker but still well done. A lot of unknowns as well.
Yep that's the one. I think most of the markers were in pairs. Wittman and crew were tied together in a single one as their remains were comingled in the bombed and burned out Tiger.
I would not have noticed it, but out guide noted that units were not put on anyone's markers as by the time this cemetery was built (by collect the dead from many local interments, just as the Americans and Commonwealth did) they did not want to make any waves by putting any SS units on the markers. But you could still tell who the SS men were, their ranks were different.
I need to get back to work, but saw this note: TCM is running a Memorial Day marathon starting this evening: 2025 Memorial Day Film Fest on TCM By Gil Arnold Last Updated Friday, May 23, 2025 6:22 am
Turner Classic Movies celebrates 2025 Memorial Day Weekend starting May 23 with dozens of classic war films including The Great Escape, The Dirty Dozen and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Here are the movies in the TCM Memorial Day Marathon starting Friday, May 23, 2025, and running until early Tuesday morning, May 26. All times are ET. Also included in the list below is the IMDB rating for each film and a link to the IMDB review.
Friday, May 23, 2025
8:00 PM The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). Upon returning to small-town America, three World War II veterans have difficulty readjusting to life in post-war America. Director William Wyler, Cast Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews. IMDB: 8.1
11:00 PM Till the End of Time (1946).
A returning World War II veteran falls for a troubled war widow. Director Edward Dmytryk, Cast Robert Mitchum, Dorothy McGuire. IMDB: 6.7
Warfare is excellent. As one of the directors was actually there, it comes across the screen as arguably the best rendition of combat on film. Not a hyperbole.
I do have an issue with every military themed production being about a jacked up op, then a rescue, but that's what really happened here.
The story lines are never about sacrificing to win the battle at the end, but then again, that's not how we've conducted military operations in most people's memory.
It debuted at the Music Box theater here in Chicago, which is a pleasant walk from the hacienda. If I had known, I would've tried to go.
We visited the cemetary last year and it is a moving experience. The residents of Margraten each have "adopted" a service man's grave site and visit it throughout the year in honor of that person's service. The responsibility is handed down to other family members. The Dutch are very appreciative of the sacrifices made.
Always a weekend for reflection and remembrance. At this point in my life I've known more veterans who have passed on naturally than those we specifically honor on Monday. For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service, three to whom I was quite close come to mind.
The recent Someone Talked podcast by the D-Day Memorial and John McManus just had an excellent two-part episode with Robert Edsall about his new book on the ties between American GIs and the Dutch that had a great discussion about how the Dutch do such a good job remembering the sacrifice by the GIs.
Take the time and go to your local ceremony as well. That is what we should be doing this weekend. Memorial Day is about keeping the faith in our nation, and doing it with your neighbors.
When my son was young the Cub Scout Pack he was in worked with the VFW or (I think it was) the Legion to put flags on veteran graves the Saturday before Memorial day. They seemed pretty enthusiastic and took instruction on how to place flags well (though, honestly, it wasn't quite compliant, but they were 6 to 10 year olds).
When we could find a bugler/trumpeter, we'd form up render honors and play taps.
Not sure what the kids got out of it, but the parent certainly felt they were doing a good thing.
Likewise the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach
Very nice. Having been to both the Normandy and Lorraine American Cemetaries I believe the French doing and outstanding job as well.
Agree. I was at the Normandy cemetery right at 1 year ago now. It is immaculate like they all are.
For a different perspective, one should visit the German cemetery. They don't have a government organization to fund and oversee it, it is all volunteer. And while it doesn't have the golf course manicuring the American cemeteries do, it is well kept. Though the overall feeling is much more somber than the Americans.
Been to all those noted above but 20-some years ago and those were the impressions we got. Gotta give the French and the Dutch credit.
Likewise many little towns have memorials where our aircraft went in
From my first hand experience the folks in Brittany do a wonderful job commemorating Allied and their own sacrifices. I was struck by how many young people participate.
William: My parents (it was all my Korean War vet father's idea) took me and my sister to Normandy in 1970 and the memories have lasted to this day. I have a photo of myself as a young boy, looking out to sea from a shell-pocked German coastal bunker. We saw the American cemetery. On the same trip, I may also have visited Patton's grave in Luxemborg and also recall viewing some Teutonic grave stones of German soldiers (may have been from WWI); more like moss-covered boulders, dark and ponderous; a very different feeling than the stark white of the American crosses, along with the occasional Jewish star. I also peered into the ground-level window of the Douaumont ossuary at Verdun, filled with bones. That's a sight that will never leave me.
I have been to the big US military cemetery in South Korea, too, in 2010, the year before my father passed, when I joined one of the Korean Government's sponsored tours for veterans of the Korean Conflict.
American kids need to be shown what happened, and how American men (some, barely men) lost their lives for an ideal, and for each other.
Those thousands of young men - we can never repay their sacrifices but we can honor them by attending a cemetery and paying respect.
Honor the Fallen! Thanks for posting this on perhaps our most hallowed secular holiday - at least in our household - serving from when we got off the boat, 2 great-great uncles as Doughboys in the Great War, grandfathers in WWII, Dad in RVN, brother in Desert Storm (I missed it...Ranger School), Afghanistan Iraq, as a Commander, even deployed my son to combat when it was his turn. The Republic owes us nothing, we owe it our part in manning the ramparts...and to honor the Fallen. Here's to Bear, Solo, Todd the Medic and the others who paid the ultimate price. Skol!
Speaking of the Dutch (apologies to Michael Caine), CSPAN is airing a program on Saturday May 24th at 1745 EDT: Robert Edsel, “Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II”...if your local weather impacts your ability to enjoy the great outdoors, CSPAN also has a host of specials over the weekend, to include a Hillsdale College discussion on the Vietnam War on Saturday 8 am/pm & 10:37 am/10:35 pm (all EDT I think).
Strongly recommend the US Military Cemetary in Luxembourg, and just about anything in Normandie! Particularly Point du Hoc!!!
Point du Hoc...yeah. Why anyone would think scaling those cliffs was a good idea. But yet they did it.
For a good insight as to what it was like the view from the other side is very interesting. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=d+day+thru+german+eyes&language=en_US&adgrpid=1230353871384469&hvadid=76897285760679&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=73698&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-76897394177667%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=20661_13426645&mcid=4cd4190e72ff3ea1a4b8bab899fbf56a&msclkid=e4edc38242af13a84d9cabb2d328aee1&tag=txtstdbgdt-20&ref=pd_sl_r6d15b544_p
The overall consensus was that the American, British, and Canadians were there in overwhelming numbers and they simply didn't quit. They were an unstoppable force and there was no way the German defenses were going to prevent them from taking a beachead.
Thanks for sharing this!
Speaking of the Dutch. My first deployment was to the North Atlantic in April 1967. I recall liberty in Rotterdam. Friendly town. But there were some anti-war protestors making noise in the streets. I was in uniform with a few friends walking around town when we encountered them. I say "encountered" but we sailors in our Dress Blues and white hats were never the protestor's target in any way. Some random man in his late 40's came up to us and said that those people were just "Provos", that we should not mind them much and that the Dutch still remember America for what she did for the Dutch people in WWII. He bought us all a beer. That guy was my dad's age. Dad was in the ETO from 1943 to 1945 and served from 1939 to 1961.
Sadly, all but a very few of that generation is gone. But they do still remember and care in pockets here and there.
The houses along the coast in Normandy are decorated with American and British (and probably Canadian, though I don't remember that for sure) come this time of year.
My Sergeant Major and I spent Easter weekend in April 2017 in Normandy...everyone was friendly and appreciative of us Yanks. Hired a local guide to take us around - well worth the 100 euros it cost us...side note: he told us about a RT flight he took on Norwegian Air from Paris to SFO for only $159 USD...of course, that was pre-pandemic and hyper-inflation, but might be worth checking out if folks can plan out six months or so. Spent Easter Sunday on the Abbey at Mont St. Michel...recommend a four-day sojourn to Normandy to anyone interested.
Agree on Mont St Michel, truly a bucket list visit. Would have been a bit better if it wasn't drizzling the whole time along the coast. But it seemed kind of appropriate.
I was on the Normandy beaches tour, IIRC "6 days" (which is really 4 as both ends are travel). The tour company is called Beaches of Normandy Tours...you can guess what they specialize in. Though they do the 101st Airborne tour and Normandy to Berlin with 3rd Army as well. I was fortunate to have two of their best guides, one a Normandy specialist (Christophe something or other) who was very, very good. He had done a lot of research including many interviews with veterans he met visiting the area. Essentially gathering eyewitness accounts of common soldiers who were part of some the most famous as well as very obscure parts of the battle. We had two busses full with our tour, each with their own primary and local guides. Our bus did way better from what I heard. But still, highly recommend them, especially if it's your first time and you don't know what all is in the area to see. I could have spent at least another day or two just to do the museums justice (though I move slowly through them compared to most).
Oh, and the nice thing about it was that we stayed at one hotel the whole time. So no having to get packed and luggage on the bus by O-dark-thirty. And it didn't hurt that the hotel was in Bayeux so "The Tapestry" is a few blocks away and the medieval cathedral definitely worth the visit.
That is pretty cool, and that he brought you gents a round as well! "Bravo Zulu", as you mariners say! And hat tip to your father's service as well! Amsterdam in 2017 reminded me more of Baghdad than anything else, but the folks out in Walcheren and other areas were very friendly....and very tall!
Hand Salute...............Two.
A simple post honoring those for whom fullbore was also the final measure.
Thank you.
I have been to several German cemeteries as well. Very somber with darker colored markers but as you say very well kept. Every time I visited there were several German markers with fresh flowers! Their markers also included birthdates and the range of ages of German war dead was amazing. Most of our war dead was very young!
That is what I saw as well. They were clearly getting down to the bottom of the manpower barrel.
Yes they were! I did visit a German cemetery that had the remains of Michael Wittman…the famous Panzer warrior who had many documented kills. He is buried with his entire crew in Saint-Germain-du-Pert, France. That cemetery has four remains per marker but still well done. A lot of unknowns as well.
Yep that's the one. I think most of the markers were in pairs. Wittman and crew were tied together in a single one as their remains were comingled in the bombed and burned out Tiger.
I would not have noticed it, but out guide noted that units were not put on anyone's markers as by the time this cemetery was built (by collect the dead from many local interments, just as the Americans and Commonwealth did) they did not want to make any waves by putting any SS units on the markers. But you could still tell who the SS men were, their ranks were different.
Consider this (and try to do so without grateful tears): there is a waiting list of Dutch families who want to adopt an American soldier's grave.
They remain devoted to those who gave "the last full measure of devotion."
https://www.adoptiegraven-margraten.nl/en/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16C1NVjW3t/
This footage is seen spliced with McCain's shootdown as he landed in the same lake in Oct. 67.
Griffin and Walters were observed alive but badly injured being taken into Hanoi Hilton. They perished from either torture and or neglect.
Lest We Forget.
I need to get back to work, but saw this note: TCM is running a Memorial Day marathon starting this evening: 2025 Memorial Day Film Fest on TCM By Gil Arnold Last Updated Friday, May 23, 2025 6:22 am
Turner Classic Movies celebrates 2025 Memorial Day Weekend starting May 23 with dozens of classic war films including The Great Escape, The Dirty Dozen and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Here are the movies in the TCM Memorial Day Marathon starting Friday, May 23, 2025, and running until early Tuesday morning, May 26. All times are ET. Also included in the list below is the IMDB rating for each film and a link to the IMDB review.
Friday, May 23, 2025
8:00 PM The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). Upon returning to small-town America, three World War II veterans have difficulty readjusting to life in post-war America. Director William Wyler, Cast Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews. IMDB: 8.1
11:00 PM Till the End of Time (1946).
A returning World War II veteran falls for a troubled war widow. Director Edward Dmytryk, Cast Robert Mitchum, Dorothy McGuire. IMDB: 6.7
More at the link:
https://www.seniordaily.com/2025-memorial-day-film-fest-on-tcm/#:~:text=Turner%20Classic%20Movies%20celebrates%202025%20Memorial%20Day%20Weekend,Dozen%20and%20The%20Bridge%20on%20the%20River%20Kwai.
That's an excellent list. The only crime is relegating Kelly's Heroes to late night / early morning, but it can't be primetime every year.
They should bring back Twelve O'Clock High one of these years.
Might be watching Best Years again in 90 minutes.
Warfare is excellent. As one of the directors was actually there, it comes across the screen as arguably the best rendition of combat on film. Not a hyperbole.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warfare_(film)
I do have an issue with every military themed production being about a jacked up op, then a rescue, but that's what really happened here.
The story lines are never about sacrificing to win the battle at the end, but then again, that's not how we've conducted military operations in most people's memory.
It debuted at the Music Box theater here in Chicago, which is a pleasant walk from the hacienda. If I had known, I would've tried to go.
We visited the cemetary last year and it is a moving experience. The residents of Margraten each have "adopted" a service man's grave site and visit it throughout the year in honor of that person's service. The responsibility is handed down to other family members. The Dutch are very appreciative of the sacrifices made.
Thanks Cdr Sal,
This is a very important Holiday and a time to honor those who entered the clearing at the edge of the forest before us.
Dave Peterson
Always a weekend for reflection and remembrance. At this point in my life I've known more veterans who have passed on naturally than those we specifically honor on Monday. For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service, three to whom I was quite close come to mind.
In combat, Lt Col David Greene, RIP (https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_S._GREENE,_LTCOL,_USMCR)
In training, Lt Jg Ernest H. Greppin, RIP(https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85644471/ernest_harquette-greppin)
In distress, MM1 K.H., RIP
Not all casualties are directly attributable to "the enemy" but all service is honored.
The recent Someone Talked podcast by the D-Day Memorial and John McManus just had an excellent two-part episode with Robert Edsall about his new book on the ties between American GIs and the Dutch that had a great discussion about how the Dutch do such a good job remembering the sacrifice by the GIs.