Exploring WWI Heroes' Graves from the Lusitania to the Lost Battalion

[@graveexplorations]

To celebrate Veterans' Day and the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War, Grave Explorations visited the resting places of a few of the men and women who gave everything for Victory. Come Walk With Me and honor the memory of the generation that kept the world safe for democracy.

[@jasonwomack4064]

It's a shame when you were in St Louis' Bellefontaine, you could've came up to Alton, IL (30ish minutes away) for a few shots for this video. To my knowledge Alton has the only cemetery in the US to have both a federal cemetery section, and a Lusitania memorial. Also, western military academy was/is here. Which several notable WWI vets went to.

[@TeamTrumpUSA]

Exceptional tribute to all of the hero's on this 100th anniversary. This should remind us all of a quote by Marcus Aurelius. "When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, [and] to love."

[@graveexplorations]

A wonderful quote, and so very true. Thank you for sharing, and for watching :)

[@sailormoon2937]

The tribute starts Thursday in Georgia

[@vgorski7545]

Outstanding film tribute to the soldiers who fought for peace and freedom. May God bless them and their families who endured such horrific loss. My heart aches for all of them.

[@thomasrolland8803]

Nicely done. As a U.S Army veteran 1986-1992, from a family of veterans, I found this very informative and professional. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.

[@stevenbaker8184]

I want to say thank you for also including Cara's story. People tend to forget the contributions our medical corps has played in our conflicts world wide. And they too are not without their own casualties. Though British,from Florence Nightingale to Clara Barton to our Nursing corps of today. They are often overlooked heroes in their own right. Cara is a shining example of those who would fight a fight against not the enemy but against death itself. Though she died of illness, she gave her life in that pursuit. Nurses often have a quiet strength of character tempered by their own fragility. Again thank you for bringing her story of a sacrifice made in the interest of saving lives.

[@sg2823]

This is worthy of a PBS broadcast! Well done!

[@graveexplorations]

I appreciate that, thank you for watching :)

[@michaelburgess9707]

Got the waterworks flowing on this one my friend. Thanks for all the heart and soul you put into the best one yet.

[@graveexplorations]

This project is perhaps the nearest and dearest to my heart. I can't thank you enough for watching and leaving your wonderful comment.

[@brn2wld]

😭 You really make me cry with this one. Well done.

[@jollyhollywood3922]

I had two great uncles who fought in the Great War. Thankfully both survived, but their stories did not. Thank you for this fine doc.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for sharing!

[@victoriataylor5457]

Thank you so much for this. My Great Uncle was in World War I , and killed there on a troop train which had been struck in a rear end collision by a heavy freight train . Before he left he told his brothers, that this would be that last time he would be with them, because he felt hed never return home. How sad that he never did. Hes buried in a small village Cemetery, in France. I have the letter from the Commanding Officer reporting his death, and letting our family know the place of his death and burial . I cherish all the things my family has kept over the years. I get them out and look them all over. I feel a sadness in me, that he never came home, to be buried on American soil & in our family cemetery . Thank you again, your the best. Your history is just amazing. God bless you, for your dedication ,and hard work, and for the respect you always show. Each of these peoples lives mattered thank you for helping us remember them. God bless America. 🇺🇸 Here is in part the letter: from the Commading officer of Machine Gun Co. 362nd Infantry, On the night of July 23rd 1918 at Bonniers France a small village about 40 miles north of Paris, your husband was killed,on a troop train in which he had been riding. Twenty officers and men stayed at the scene of the wreck ,and on Friday his remains were laid away in a beautiful little French cemetery along side twenty eight of his comrades who also gave up their lives in the village of Freneuse. The funeral was conducted by French authorities, and the men were buried with full military honors . The detachment from this company, and about 500 French soldiers finished guard of honor and a military band from a Belgian camp was also in attendance. All businesses were suspended and the local villagers loaded the caskets with beautiful flowers.Each body was laid in a substantial casket, with a name plate attached to the lid. Bearing the name, serial number and organization of the man. The protestant funeral service and also mass by a Catholic priest were held at the cemetery. Each grave will be cared for perpetually by the family's of the village. Your husband, was a fine man and soldier in every sense of the word. The entire Co. of officers and men are grieved over the loss ,and our hearts go out to the loved ones,in this hour of sorrow. He gave his life for his country. There are some pictures that were taken and will be sent, when finished. Signed. EW Worsham Capt. Infantry RC letter dated August 1, 1918 I thought that you might like this, since you are a lover of history. . The letter is worn and rather yellowed but still in pretty fine condition considering the year it was written. I'm not sure where they were going when struck, but I feel if he hadn't died that way ,God would have provided another way. I respect all of the men, times have certainly changed. I remember my Grandfather, which would be his brother, singing Over There, I learned it as a child. Keep the videos coming ,I love every one of them .

[@graveexplorations]

Reading about your great uncle brought tears to my eyes. God bless him and your family for enduring such a sacrifice. However, it is wonderful that you have kept his memory alive with those treasured mementos. And even though his remains are far away, his spirit will always be with you. This video is dedicated to your great uncle and so many more just like him. :)

[@Dannyedelman4231]

God bless his soul and thank you for his service. My great grandfather might have known him if he was with the 42nd infantry division he served in the Marne campaign and then went on to serve in WW2

[@RhettyforHistory]

Excellent documentary and your research is really impeccable. I still say you're the best cemetery/grave channel out there. The story on Deaver was both strange and sad. Thanks for all the research and time you put into making bvb this.

[@graveexplorations]

Your very kind words are always appreciated. I don't know if I'm the best, but if I'm any good at all it's because there are channels like yours to inspire me to keep going. Thanks for all you do!

[@mauriceforsgren4019]

As a veteran myself. As well the grandson of a ww1 veteran. The only thing that I can say is very powerful and moving video. Thanks you for this moving video.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, sir, for your service and for taking the time to comment on my video. Wishing you all the best :)

[@tigerback62]

👏👏👏👏 Bravo👏👏👏👏 Absolutely Brilliant. It is an incredible tribute to Our Veterans of WW1!

[@graveexplorations]

tigerback62 Thank you so much for your kind words :)

[@dunkirchen1940]

Incredible video, sir. Thank you for honoring these brave dead.

[@ion2010ify]

Thanks to all those young men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We owe a debt of gratitude to all these lost souls.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Wow, Matt, this one was really worth the wait. So impressive, as always. You are a true investigator and historian. You're also a wonderful writer. I love the way you tell the story of their lives. I didn't know that so many soldiers and nurses lost their lives to Flu and Pneumonia. I think I would prefer that to being blown up. I especially love that your focus is on remembering the people in history who weren't famous, but should be and now are, through your documentaries. Great job and looking forward to the next one!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, my friend! This one was very near and dear to my heart, I'm very glad you enjoyed it :)

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

@@graveexplorations Yes, very much! Are you from a military family too? It was very heartfelt and showed!

[@graveexplorations]

Actually, I'm not from a military family. I think my appreciation came from histories about the Civil War and WWII.

[@lindamckague2251]

My Dad was in WWll but was stateside, the schools I attended taught Colonial History & civil war but never really touched on WWl or WWll or even the Korean War at all so most of my history of WWll came from my Dad. A very sad thing as our schools today are not teaching history & our children are coming out of school with very little knowledge of any history at all, very sad.😥

[@bruiserbuk]

You, sir, are a class act. Thank you!!!

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much for watching a video that is very near and dear to my heart 😊

[@shielarobitaille1534]

Wow.......just WOW!!!! Well done....and thank you for all your hard work. Highly appreciated. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@graveexplorations]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@stargazergirl9932]

You should have a million subscribers by now! Your talents and documentaries deserve so much more! An Oscar perhaps? xxSGG

[@graveexplorations]

You're very kind :) Thank you for watching and your encouragement.

[@KB6YAF]

Bless you for honoring our fallen.

[@graveexplorations]

It was a honor for me to do. Thank you for watching.

[@32dras]

I know it is not your job and I know there`s no records for all of them and it can`t be done, but all those guys deserve their story to be told, but trough telling story of life and bravery for solidiers you could find records, you honoured them all! Thank them all who came here to Europe help us 100 years ago and then 26 years later again, next year will be a 75th anniversary of D-day and tnx you for this document of time, this is much more then just another video on youtube.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much for your kind words. And this video is dedicated to all who suffered in this terrible.

[@KenGriffiths]

The best yet. Lest We Forget.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much :)

[@hildiborkowski4436]

Very well done. Very interesting. Thanks so much for your compassion in relating these stories.

[@longwhitemane]

Great Video. 😊 My favorite WWI song is "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition." It always seemed to be title at odds with itself. 🤔

[@sup7673]

Fantastic! Well done! My friends actually live right behind the Pamona American Legion, and we're all proud members!

[@mrfrederick7956]

Thank you for spending the time and energy to preserve the memories of these brave young men and women. You’ve given life to a names chiseled on stone. Well done.

[@manymoonstraveled]

Awesome video sir. I pray for all our fallen here and a far for freedom. Well done video thank you.☺💗

[@VonHexa]

I was looking for great war tributes and found this. This video is very well done, and heartwrenching. You got a new sub!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much for watching and for the sub! :)

[@thegrimreaper1991]

I found your channel today and you got a sub from me too. Great work!

[@graveexplorations]

@@thegrimreaper1991 I really appreciate it, thank you! :)

[@hellsapoppin2048]

The best one you have done so far. Thanks.

[@orionstar6747]

Wonderful Tribute, Thank you , and lets all remind ourselves of the sacrifice of those young lives, that selflessly gave for us, so that we can enjoy freedom, and abundance.

[@RepublicTX]

That was, quite simply, magnificent. Thank you sir.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and your very kind words.

[@ainocal]

We celebrate you all, not only on Veteran's Day but every day knowing that you're part of the reason we share in the freedom today !

[@gfinnstrom]

OUTSTANDING WELL DONE

[@bigboy-sr8dn]

Fantastic as usual....

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! :)

[@lindamckague2251]

A very excellent video Matt as all of your videos are & as someone else said worth the wait. Thank you for this video I love your presentation & your history that you give may be the only history the younger generation gets. Keep up the good work it is so appreciated by many of us.😎

[@graveexplorations]

Linda McKague Thank you, your kind words mean more than you know. :)

[@francklamonica3458]

Very well done,I always get exited when you put up a new vid,thanks for all you're hard work my friend,I do not comment much but watch everything you put out with great appreciation 👍

[@graveexplorations]

I can't thank you enough for your kind words and support. Wishing you all the best :)

[@nicoleschreck7613]

A truly awesome video. A great perspective into the lives of these men and women.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much for watching :)

[@BillyLapTop]

Thank you.

[@graveexplorations]

You are very welcome, thank you for watching!

[@carlwhite8225]

Thank You so very much for doing this Video, Peace.

[@figracula1]

Wow. Thank you so much, that was so interesting. I always look forward to your videos, those "forgotten history" tidbits aren't wasted on me, I love them. Thanks again.

[@graveexplorations]

You are very welcome, thank you for watching :)

[@figracula1]

@@graveexplorations Watching your videos takes me back to my younger years, and going to couple of older cemeteries in Northern California with my dad, a huge history buff, and listening to the history of the old town we lived in. I would love to hear the detailed history of those people, as the newest tombstones are from the 1860s. If you are ever north of Sacramento, and you feel so inclined, I know I would love it! Many thanks for a little nostalgia from my childhood.

[@graveexplorations]

It's funny you mention that. I have wanted to go up in that area to do a project on the Gold Rush. There are so many great stories to be discovered up there, I'm planning two or three trips next year and the Sacramento area is high up on the list.

[@figracula1]

@@graveexplorations About 2 hours North of Sacramento is a little town off I5, Cottonwood. Not much has changed there, lots of old buildings, and 3 old cemeries, pretty much a time warp when you're there.

[@graveexplorations]

@@figracula1 That sounds like my kind of place! Thank you for the suggestion, I will be looking into this :)

[@anthonyy.matranga9431]

Most excellent documentary. I enjoyed all the history and thanks for all of the research put into the production of this video.

[@graveexplorations]

This one was very near and dear to my heart. Thank you for watching :)

[@deborahisaacs5541]

I never knew so much of this, l love history and I thank you for taking your time to bless me with this video

[@markpedroza7294]

And Percy Kilbride "Pa Kettle" is resting comfortably at the Golden Gate National cemetery in San Bruno, CA

[@graveexplorations]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, he was a veteran of the 80th Infantry Division which saw action throughout the Meuse Argonne campaign. A true hero as well as a wonderful entertainer. Thank you for remembering him here!

[@johnl.5156]

I had gotten up when you mentioned paint ball and surfing when introducing LCp.l Blake Howey, I would be in the same province 2 years after he passed. I don't know LCpl. Howey, but thank you for including him and his service into WW1 grave as well as the parallel between both conflicts.

[@monapause8108]

in southern WA state, there is a really great WWI monument to the boys from the area who died in the war. it's a Stonehenge replica with the names of the fallen soldiers on it.

[@charlottedwyer7680]

Heart wrenchingly amazing,

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much.

[@charlottedwyer7680]

@@graveexplorations thank you for the video. Sobbed through most of it .x

[@graveexplorations]

@@charlottedwyer7680 You're very welcome. And I know how you feel. Having spend so much time with these people over the last year or so has been a very emotional journey... I only hope I did them justice.

[@charlottedwyer7680]

Grave Explorations you did so very much. Please keep up the fabulous work.

[@WaywardWaggs]

We just went to visit the grave of Hank Williams Sr. this past weekend and discovered there are a lot of WWI and WWII vets buried near him.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and for commenting. I love the music of Hank Sr., and hope to visit his burial site some day.

[@WaywardWaggs]

It is very nice. Love his music as well.

[@bettyfourman5438]

Excellent as always.

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@angelsutton9860]

WELL DONE MATT!!!! EXCELLENT JOB!!! :)

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@patriciaherman6499]

Wow that was awesome love the stories behind the names you do a wonderful job and we'll worth the wait. One downside I didn't get the notification ugh, but luckily I follow you on FB so I knew it was coming.😎

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words and support! I'm not sure why the notification didn't work, you might want to double check that you have clicked on the notification bell. Go to my channel's page and where it says "Subscribed" make sure that the bell symbol has the parentheses around it. Thanks again, and wishing you all the best :)

[@patriciaherman6499]

@@graveexplorations oops thanks I thought I hit the bell 😀😎

[@graveexplorations]

@@patriciaherman6499 Nice! And I will get to work on uploading :)

[@SLO2024]

Absolutely fantastic program! You are gifted in finding, telling, and narrating these stories. The History Channel should be lined up at your doorstep to narrate more programs! Thank you so much, keep up the great work and please do more on this subject, it's fascinating.

[@michele2855]

An excellent video! Really enjoyed this. Your production is spot on

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, I'm very glad you liked it :)

[@julianciahaconsulting8663]

excellent work.

[@MickeyThomas408]

I was here on November 11, 2018 🇺🇸🇫🇷🇬🇧🇨🇦🇦🇺

[@gdhse3]

Love your channel 💕

[@annerobinson8824]

We will remember them.

[@doloresvargas6450]

It is bitter sweet that this type of sacrifice comes by a U-boat.Tony has spoken.

[@GOWHID5173]

Wow! We owe a great debt to our Soldiers. We must not forget their sacrifices to this nation.🇺🇸

[@graveexplorations]

You're so right. Thank you for watching! :)

[@mpf20760]

Beautiful tribute!! I’ve just discovered your channel and binging on it. Veterans Day is soon coming up and this is stark reminder of the price and sacrifice our ancestors gave for freedom. We are now, in 2023, on the brink of a third world war. I pray for the leadership around the world to stop this current nonsense.

[@martinkirby3100]

My wife thinks I'm mad because when photos of these guys come on my screen I salute every one of them out of respect and gratitude for the sacrifice each and every one made God bless them all and any of their living relatives etc

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I know how you feel, when I was working on this project I felt as though I got to know each of them.

[@albertchehade9916]

Tears..........

[@FrenchieMom05]

Loved this film! You are an amazing storyteller.

[@thegrimreaper1991]

The USA suffered approximately 170,000 casualties I think......we British suffered over 700,000, the Germans more than 1,000,000. Was it worth it? No....as in 1914 it was not in any countries interests to go to war, so the whole war made no sense at all. But please don’t get me wrong, I for one will always be grateful to them for all they gave for all of us. I will always be grateful to the American forces for joining the war and giving us the helping hand we so needed. Great upload and thank you.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching and sharing your insights. WWI was the deadliest and costliest stalemates in history. It nearly wiped out a generation of British, French, Germans, etc. It's so hard to study the war's feeble causes without thinking that it just didn't have to happen.

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

On a lighter note since so many shown in this video did not come home alive. My namesake grandfather was going over to Europe for WWI when Armistice was called. He went on to Europe and then came back to start a family in 1926 with my my father being the oldest of eight born in 1927. I'm a War Vet of Vietnam. I went into the Air Force because I didn't want to take the chance of being drifted into the Army. For that war, I with my load team of five, loaded about 33,000 bombs on B52s in my year in U-Tapao Thailand from May 1970 to May 1971 my pictures (mostly slides) are shown here. www.flickr.com/photos/186765418@N06/albums/72157713582906062 and the Bob Hope Christmas show of Dec. 1970 www.flickr.com/photos/186765418@N06/albums/72157713558239343

[@cxjeter]

Very well done

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching :)

[@richardzellers]

American soldiers killed in Europe during WWI were buried there, unless family paid to have remains returned to USA, or under special circumstances. I've been to several American military cemeteries in France, and the largest about 45 minutes from Verdun (it is also close to site where Sgt York earned his Medal of Honor, and also the area of the Lost Battalion).

[@bookwormaddict3933]

Thank you for this. I was a Hospital Corpsman.

[@SoCalUrbex74]

The American Expeditionary Force was the U.S. military in Europe during World War I. Under the command of Major General John Pershing, its regiments came in to support and later lead the Allied forces in Europe, its fresh soldiers outnumbering the Germans they fought against.

[@SoCalUrbex74]

The United States entered World War I in April 1917. Over 4.7 million men and women served in the regular U.S. forces, national guard units, and draft units with about 2.8 million serving overseas. There were 53,402 killed in action, 63,114 deaths from disease and other causes, and about 205,000 wounded

[@SoCalUrbex74]

Great Documentary !

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you, my friend! I truly appreciate your insight. :)

[@SoCalUrbex74]

@@graveexplorations I had to post this for those who are not familiar with WW1 !

[@ion2010ify]

Spanish Flu of 1918 took the lives of so many.

[@user-zp9br7jk9k]

this needs to be played to all those now defacing and disrespecting the monuments in the united states... these soldiers fought bravely and died brutally for our freedoms. LEST WE FORGET

[@twistoffate4791]

I would like to join you in observing Independence Day 2022. Thanks for your efforts.

[@Liddledriver]

Interestingly the Admiralty was quite aware of U-20 in the Irish Sea but held back from going after it and changing the course of the ship because Britain needed the US involved in the war. The duplicity is well documented as is Churchill's acquiescence in the affair.

[@martinkirby3100]

This was a terrible time in history and I am thankful to all the heros of all nations who fought for freedom and peace and as a British person I'm eternally greatful to all who died in the name of peace I'm also in awe at the sheer number of people who died from all nations including Germany etc after all the Germans were also only following orders from superiors I'm glad the world now has peace( at least for now despite the many smaller wars between certain countries and nation predominantly there's peace ) God bless all people who die in every war everywhere in this cruel world no other war will match ww1 and 2 in sheer numbers of those who died

[@brianmorgan5739]

I sent out a plea to friends and family in Germany to help locate the remains of Lt, C.L. Deaver and his return home. This is my plea in German I posted along with this video with your permission on Facebook: Zu meinen Freunden in Deutschland und denen in und in der Nähe von Münster. Bitte beachten Sie, dass Charles Leon Deaver seit 1918 von der US-Armee als vermisst gemeldet wurde. Nach einem Brief eines deutschen Amerikaners, der als Offizier der Kaiserarmee diente, starb Deaver 1918 als Gefangener in Münster. Es ist an der Zeit, Deaver in sein Haus in Kalifornien zurückzubringen, wo er hingehört. Danke dir.

[@cherylschantz9893]

WWI was caused by the rulers who couldn’t find a reason to not go to war. After all, they didn’t have to fight. From Kings to Kaisers, to Emperors, they refused to work for peace. Heartbreaking.

[@Dannyedelman4231]

My great grandfather in law served in ww1 and also ww2

[@graveexplorations]

A great hero from a pivotal time in world history.

[@cherylschantz9893]

They have a picture of Mr. Levenson. They should be able to replace the picture.

[@cherylschantz9893]

It’s so sad that Cara didn’t get to help before her death.

[@tommytwotoes3880]

The Lusitania was carrying cordite, which was a war supply. Cordite is an explosive used in ammunition and therefor the Lusitania was actually a war vessel although Germany didn't know it at the time. The US was covertly shipping war supplies to Britain on passenger liners.

[@bonnerscott5374]

Put the sword back!

[@lindorpay3871]

Canadian ? Thousands of then are in France cemetery .....

[@michaelsimmons3524]

So France aknowleged African American veterans before America did.

[@graveexplorations]

Sadly, yes. At the time, African Americans were treated very badly by the US military. They were ready and willing to give their lives for their country, and many did, but they were not given the same respect as white soldiers. Sadder still, is that this treatment lasted for many years afterward.

[@ThomasPartida]

It’s unfortunate that the president refused to visit these great fallen men because of weather conditions while in Europe.

[@Jade-xx1eb]

Happy 100th anniversary ww1

[@willemvanlent6955]

THERE ABSOLUTELY AIN'T NO HONOR IN ANY DIRTY STINKING WAR!!! ONLY HORROR, EVIL AND DESTRUCTION!!!

[@RoxaneEllesansailes]

Very well done video 👍♥️