Stephen Pays Tribute To D-Day On Its 75th Anniversary

[@isaactfa]

"I didn't know him... But I love him" is an attitude America desperately needs more of.

[@benmoore701]

So true

[@chronolumina]

@Ursus Americanus Kid, make sure to take your adderall before posting on KZbin next time, mmmkay?

[@Xiph1980]

@@chronolumina adhd doesn't make one an asshole.... His comment was a choice. Adhd is not.

[@rose-a-bleu4281]

Jaytoka you just couldn’t control yourself couldn’t you, your a disgrace and I hope you come to realize that you and your con-man trump are the reason why America is a laughingstock.

[@eifbkcn]

@Ursus Americanus Yͭ is yͤ worſt affront and one yͭ is grauen on euery decent ſoul. One would hope not to e'er ſee þis henceforþ and hence thou beest removèd.

[@christianschoff2490]

"I didn't know him...but love him." Freaking tears man.

[@cherienaera5947]

Christian Schoff I feel the same way about my great uncles who died in ww1

[@zeeshanmehmood4522]

Can we talk about Stephen trying to close his binder?

[@christianschoff2490]

@@zeeshanmehmood4522 He did mess that up a bit.

[@Hampton-nv8mw]

Christian Schoff I’m not crying, you are! 😭😉 That was very moving. 👍

[@SteveFurches]

I didn't know him, but I love him too...

[@EchoBravo370]

Raise a glass to Eddie. Brave soldier. Wonderful writer. Thoroughly decent human being.

[@claudeghendrih762]

EC Yep great writer and all , so that the apple didn't fall that far from the tree once removed , circumstances are not for now that physically or immediately dire but still require exceptional courage and fortitude . I'm afraid I've fallen short but as I can only applaud Colbert (and quite a few others ) for his tireless dedication I just do.

[@douglaspatrick868]

Ursus Americanus Oh look, a neo nazi waste of space and air, how precious. Actually Leon DeGrelle was a piece of shit coward and traitor to the human race at large and the Belgians in particular who instead of fighting for his beliefs and going out on his shield like many better and braver men did instead fled in terror to Spain and lived for years under an assumed identity. That is until he thought the coast was clear and his fascist daddy Generalissimo Franco would protect him from ever having to rightly face the music. That was when he started writing utterly illusory garbage propaganda to inspire other deeply stupid authoritarian shitheads to waste their lives as he did, eventually dying not a only a notorious liar and coward but a no talent hack propaganda writer to boot. You sure know how to pick out your idols there nazi doofus!

[@ConstantineJoseph]

More than decent, a hero

[@BNSFGuy4723]

Stephen, that was beautiful. Your uncle was a true poet, it brought me to tears. I thank him for his service and I thank everyone who sacrificed their lives that day for our freedom

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Yes indeed EV . . . we should aspire to be worthy; the fallen deserve nothing less.

[@firasbouhamdan9917]

@@bart5246 No one is denying the soviet sacrifices or the Russian ones specifically but D-Day is especially important because even though it may not be the most important event in defeating the Nazis but it was the most important event in establishing free Europe. Europe under the soviets wouldn't have been a free Europe, Europe would have simply just changed hands from one tyranny to another.

[@marnev5245]

Even and specially because I‘m german I wish to thank not only your uncle, who seems to be a great poet and person, but also all men and women who put their lives at stake to save us from a gruesome regime here in Germany. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️

[@stevenrobinson4692]

At one time or another, we are all the victims of the egos of evil men. Our eternal good fortune is forged in the fact that they are the few, while we are among the many who recognise Steven's uncle as the most worthy among us. Bless you MN for your honesty and humility . . .

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

I feel like anyone who points a finger at Germans today should look into their own histories to make sure their country never did anything bad in the past before applying that standard and feeling superior. You weren’t there; it isn’t your burden to carry. I’m sorry that some people make you feel like it is. My country has done and is doing things I don’t agree with and wouldn’t want to help with. While it is my duty to try to do what I can in my area with my voice and my vote, the actions of others in power, especially before I was born aren’t my fault. I can only hope if I’m ever in a position that I can choose to do the right thing in a hard situation, I will. Until then, I just have to try my best. Best of luck to you. 🌷 Also, if you liked that poem, you may become a fan of Frost and or Sara Teasdale. Just some recommendations. 😊 The world needs more poetry fans.

[@stevewebber707]

@@SunflowerSpotlight Hmmm, a country that has never done anything bad in the past. While I'm definitely not a historian that seems quite the high bar! Even so I would grant your point. Feeling superior and moral self righteousness rarely cause anything positive, and yet those feelings and attitudes can be quite seductive. I have a theory that social superiority complexes are tied a bit to the Dunning Kruger effect. That is feelings of superiority are basically due to one lacking understanding of their own true condition. I tip my hat to you Amara. On a side note, it's wonderful the Stephen found such a moving and positive message inspiring such an unusually positive response. It is both inspiring and moving to hear such eloquence and saddening that we lost such a person along with so many others to war. Truly a fitting D-day tribute, and I admire Mr. Colbert even more.

[@lisab9541]

@dogboy1953 please, I hope and pray not.

[@tubelev]

@dogboy1953 that's why i'm highly worried, when there is talks of "good people on both sides"

[@mattkevlarlarock5469]

That was beautiful. If you published those letters, turned them into a book, I would buy it. And maybe the profits could go to the vets.

[@elorine5682]

I was just thinking of that

[@ZygimantasA]

I'd definitely buy it too. And there are sooo many letters from soldiers from across Europe, the US, Russia etc and even those German soldiers who were forced to fight in that horrible selfish war.

[@savagedragon79]

Reading someone else's mail?

[@tedsmalldik3248]

savagedragon79 with that KZbin name you can go kiss your uncle on the mouth like you do boi. Lol

[@savagedragon79]

@@tedsmalldik3248 ok I will get right on that.

[@TotalBlackout2501]

A reminder that a soldier is so much more than just a warrior. They are poets, dreamers, friends, and family. Their sacrifice is the loss of their future so we might have one. To all my deepest thanks.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Beautifully said 2501 . . . bravo, from a Brit who, in his heart, knows he is one (among many) who are less than worthy.

[@cybercat29]

Amen 😢

[@JimH-vk8ft]

That was... quite moving. The poetry and the reflection.

[@Cajek2]

Jim H1234 dump: I prefer veterans that don’t die

[@Kal-EL_Volta]

Im not good at poetry. What did it all mean?

[@lauriejanes6511]

Cajek If you’re too stupid to get it, stay off the internet.

[@judioregan4210]

@@Kal-EL_Volta - it's an ode to the English countryside that he obviously fell in love with during his posting there. The "old man" he alludes to is England itself.

[@bearheart2009]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this Stephen.

[@MasterJoeKerr]

Im surprised he didn’t ruin the moment with another corny Trump joke.

[@neckela7097]

Master Joe Kerr 2 well maybe it is trump who ruins comedy ? Since taking office there is not a week whithout him doing stupid stuff....

[@MasterJoeKerr]

Colbert isn’t funny anymore now that he’s obsessed with Trump.

[@neckela7097]

Nobody is obsessed (well not nobody) his show is to Make fun of news report... And Trump is "obsessed" with being in the news so....

[@wvu05]

@@MasterJoeKerr Who was the one who actually used the backdrop of D-Day to go after his political opponents? Project much?

[@MissHMSilk]

Stephen, This was so kind of you to share your family history with us. It is an honor to “know” of your Uncle. Your Uncle stood fast, embraced his bravery & expressed it thru his words,, quite eloquently. Thank you ✨🙏🏻✨💜

[@jcthefluteman]

Mom dearest, Do you want to go on a dream with me? I am tugging myself back to reality. It's quite a job. A little jingle keeps running through my head. Here I am on a hillside, master of all I view - that is, master to toy with each beauty in my mind. Each green hill bows gracefully into a valley. Each valley smiles back up to me, its face wrinkled with roads, and gardens, and clustered houses. A portrait of an old man, this, with the smoke of a village curling lazily over him. What a story he could tell, of foreign friend and foreign foe - from back before a single plough had violated virgin soil, till now, when all his coat is quilted like a ragdoll; from half-clad men in caves, to the dwellers of the Nissen hut... of that that was and is no more, and that that was and always shall be. Land unharnessed and land worked. The rights of man in war. The law of God and peace. Patient old man, let me take one of your hills - that one, tethered into a huge bouquet by its twisting, turning hedgerows - let me offer it to God, in thanksgiving for that that was and always shall be. This is England, in the spring of '44, and warriors gaze eastward, as warriors have before. EDIT: Stephen also read this letter in a Jake Tapper interview, adding that his uncle was standing on the banks of the English Channel, gazing across the strait at the hills of France, where he was quite sure he was going to die. Makes it even more poignant I feel.

[@mattn6936]

Thank you for taking the time to type this out. I've copy and pasted to my FB page to share with acknowledgement to Lieutenant Andrew Edward Tuck.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

By far and away, the finest cut-and-paste I will ever have the privilege to capture and preserve. Stunning . . . simply stunning!

[@barryirlandi4217]

WOW, You can type

[@Etatdesiege1979]

Thank you.

[@MeredithAnne88]

Thank you for preserving such a tender letter. People don't write like this anymore.

[@Canuckmom128]

Very, very moving, Stephen. The Greatest Generation. God Bless your Uncle Eddie and all Allied forces. "For our tomorrow, they gave their today".

[@Tom-fs4it]

this is really moving, being a German, I´m really thankfull to live in peace an prosperity, thanks to heroes like your uncle Steven. Thanks for sharing...

[@xnonsuchx]

War is against governments, not people. The government that was fought against is gone, but luckily the people remained. I always try to point out to people that when people say they hate a country, they mean the government. Most people of countries (unless they need help from others) just want to be left alone and live peacefully, so there should be no ill will towards them.

[@adrianbiber5340]

You're a human first. We're a big family.

[@Revelwoodie]

@@xnonsuchx My grandfather was stationed in the UK before they sent him to France, just like Stephen's uncle. After the invasion he was a guard for a while at a field hospital with a lot of injured German prisoners. He talked about playing cards with them, sharing cigarettes, etc. I asked him if it was hard to make friends with "the enemy" (I was just an idiot kid), and he told me basically the same thing you said. "It wasn't the Germans we were after, it was the Nazis."

[@cybercat29]

@@Revelwoodie And many of those young German soldiers were forced to fight 😢

[@judioregan4210]

@@cybercat29 - indeed. Towards the end, the Nazis were so desperate for troops, they were drafting young boys as young as fourteen and men of retirement age and sending them to the Eastern front in Russia. They had run out of proper winter clothing by then. Many froze to death. Absolutely terrible, just terrible. A tragic waste of life, on all sides.

[@rosebottom9907]

Beautiful and eloquent. Thank you Eddie!

[@januarybaby1063]

I'm sorry, did Stephen just read out a letter from his Uncle or a newly earthed Shakespeare sonnet? That was simply astounding. Chills.

[@davidedwards3361]

Sometimes I have to wonder, how many of these letters were written by family members and not the soldiers themselves.

[@331coolguy]

@@davidedwards3361 well considering that many writers were solders like j.r.r Tolkien and edger Allan Poe were solders, you would be surprised how literate solders are.

[@verawallace9055]

@@davidedwards3361 With your thoughts process, I could see you writing beautiful letters too

[@brynawaldman5790]

It was wonderful, and there are tons of wonderful writers, artists, and musicians, everywhere. Most of them don't become famous. I have a feeling (and maybe I'm wrong) that Stephen comes from a family that likes reading and thinking. (For sure this would be so of SC himself, and of his uncle, and of the mother of that uncle to whom the letter was addressed.)

[@HaHa-vy9ct]

In the mini series Band of Brothers and The Pacific there were many poets, writers fighting for the freedom of the world.

[@ajreyes9742]

I would have loved to have met his Uncle......I could listen to his stories all day long.....RIP

[@MAN-bm6um]

1LT Andrew Edward Tuck, lll (1922-1945). I bow down with respect to the man who carried his heart to the battlefield.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

As should we all . . . and I, for one, accept that I am not worthy to breath the same air he once did.

[@MAN-bm6um]

@@stevenrobinson4692 Yes my friend. Every soldier who laid down their life, believing that they are defending their people ('unified people'). Has already paid the ultimate sacrifice. The ultimate respect we can pay them is to mend our differences in race, color, sex, religion.... So on and so forth. [fleshbonesconscience]

[@AndiDuck]

Beautiful Stephen.Your Uncle was a poet ! For those who served -- Thank You ! "You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor." - Aristotle

[@googleuser2874]

@Toori Baba Wtf is your problem?

[@terrashine1353]

Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Mr. Colbert I love your show 💞 Greetings to you & every one from your country also i wish you all the best.

[@eurojourney]

Although I know no one will likely read this comment, I am compelled once again to share my deep appreciation for opening this window into the life of an undoubtedly remarkable family member and also a hero of WWII. I’ve watched this several times now, it always brings tears to my eyes. I appreciate you sharing this story, something so personal, it is extremely touching, beautifully written and extremely sad at the same time. The greatest generation indeed. Thank you again for giving your audience such a gift.

[@yellolab09]

Stunned. This good man comes out of nowhere and reminds us of so very much, and so beautifully. This D Day, a grateful song from the grave of a noble warrior poet calls to our better selves, answering the cynical statement, "Everyone dies".

[@Ao-pj1mc]

What an exceptional waiter that man was...his letters must be preserved for future generations.

[@sharonolsen6579]

Thank you once again Mr. Colbert. You know when to help us laugh... and when levity needs to be put on the shelf in favor of the appropriateness of the circumstances. This was such a beautiful and meaningful way to place honor where it is due. ( I forgive you for making me cry.)

[@stevenrobinson4692]

As do I . . . from a Brit who is all too aware that we struggle to be worthy of such selflessness and sacrifice. So tragic that the best among us become the Fallen. Bless all those who endured; survivors and Fallen . . . you will forever remain the most cherished among us.

[@cybercat29]

Amen 😢

[@mbd6054]

Thank you, Stephen. You might not have met your uncle, but you knew him. He was that brave poet who knew all the beauty of the world, and died to save it. How can we hesitate to raise our voices against wrong, when such men have shown us the value of our freedom?

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Some literary giants are content to "wonder lonely as a cloud . . ." This GIANT was not content to to have that privilege denied to his fellow human beings. To lay down his life on foreign soil, in furtherance of histories only 'just' war is [to my non-theistic mind at least] worthy to be considered the gift of GODS.

[@mbd6054]

@@stevenrobinson4692 So true, Steven. They are truly worthy of being so regarded.

[@WillDanceAlone2U]

Beautiful imagery. Beautiful writing. Beautiful hearts (his, who wrote it; hers, who kept it; yours, who treasured and shared it.). Thank you.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

As an educated Brit, I am only well area that some literary giants are content to "wonder lonely as a cloud . . ." This GIANT was not content to to have that privilege denied to his fellow human beings. To lay down his life on foreign soil, in furtherance of histories only 'just' war is [to my non-theistic mind at least] worthy to be considered the gift of GODS. Just sayin'

[@WillDanceAlone2U]

@@stevenrobinson4692 Indeed. I can't recall hearing such beauty and imagery put down by writers as they describe a soldier's very heart as he awaits to battle the the worst sides of the human heart.

[@DrumsTheWord]

I live in between Southampton and Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK, and so am lucky enough to be able to experience/honor a lot of these soldiers in the form of memorials, services, performances and public events. I hope Eddie would be proud of how we remember men like him today. He was a poet and quite obviously a beautiful soul. Thanks for sharing, Stephen!

[@localuna4953]

Your uncle was a true poet. I can't even imagine. Thank you Sir for your sacrifice. And thank you to all of the brave souls who fought on our behalf.

[@jackaloopt]

Thank you for being human Stephen. For taking the time to show your vulnerabilities and actually caring about life during this tumultuous time of events that we live in. We need more people like you.

[@kimmciver68]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful letter; and thank you Uncle Eddie for strength in service.

[@jrideout2802]

That was beautifully written. It would be a gift to us all if those letters were published. Not because the writer was related to Stephen Cobert, but because his words are wonderfully put down.

[@cybercat29]

Indeed and I hope they will be 😢

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

I see where you get your gift with words, Stephen. I'm bloody crying here. My parents grew up through the war (both got bombed and shot at, but that's for a different time). I just want to thank you for reading this, and for every veteran of every war who has willingly put their lives on the line so that the rest of us can live in peace. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to the US soldiers, sailors and airmen who came in our hour of need. Thanks to those from the - then - Empire and beyond; the Aussies, Kiwis, Canadians, Indians, Nepalese Gurkhas, South Africans, Rhodesians (Zimbabweans), most of the Caribbean and undoubtedly many countries that I have missed and for which I humbly apologise. It's hard to keep my brain on its historian track after such beautiful and extremely moving words. Thank you seems so damned inadequate, but I could not be more grateful nor more humbled.

[@sc85sis]

Eddie was an excellent writer, and Stephen brings his words to life beautifully. I suspect your uncle would have loved you too, Stephen, and that he'd be proud of the man you've become.

[@សេរ៉ាហ្វ]

A very touching moment. His uncle was a very smart man! I feel like Stephens sincerity at the end shows he is of the same opinion. Stephen's true character and emotions shine through at that moment.

[@jamesmitchell6925]

I’m crying now. I love you Stephen

[@raes306]

Lieutenant Andrew Edward Tuck, thank you for your words and for your service, rest in peace good sir. ps your nephew is doing a very fine job.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Isn't he just . . . Bravo RS; fantastic sentiment, beautifully expressed

[@hilaryarnold7412]

Amen

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Wow . . . what a man he must have been to have such thoughts at such a time and the ability to render them profound and timeless in their wisdom . . . bravo, bravo, bravo . . . brave and humane warrior. May your god grant you the eternal freedom you have earned and so richly deserve. From a Brit who will be forever grateful; you will be forever remembered. And, thank you for sharing this Mr Colbert . . . a stunning epitaph indeed!

[@rosehill9537]

Simply beautiful turn of phrase written by a young man not knowing he would be part of a day etched in memory. Thank you Stephen for sharing such a personal family treasure with us all. To all those that served and currently service. These words dont seem enough but all I have to offer. Lest we forget and Thank you. Much love from Australia.

[@MeredithAnne88]

I can't get over the depth in this letter. A true warrior-poet, if ever there was one. Thank you for carrying your uncle Eddie's legacy, Stephen. I'm sure he'd be as proud of you as you are of him.

[@CCPJAYLPHAN1994]

Bless these men who stared death in the face and rode right in to protect and secure the future of millions other.

[@francesca5387]

Just one young man, Stephen's uncle, lost, but in his perfect letter to his mother - articulate, poetic and loving - we can see what we really lost from the Greatest Generation - they surely were the Greatest , in so many ways. His letter brought me to tears, I can only imagine what his mother must have felt when receiving it. Thank you so much Stephen, for sharing this with us all - a stark reminder of those we all lost. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left, grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."

[@brotherindy2642]

Can you get that book of letters published?? I want to read them all? Or do an audible of you reading them all?

[@localuna4953]

Great idea!

[@kinngrimm]

Some treasures are ment to be kept private and therefor just feel priviliged that Colbert chose to share this.

[@lauriebolles3149]

Kinn I agree but on the other hand Stephen and his team are so creative on raising funds for Humanitarian Organizations, maybe to care for Veterans and promote World Peace.

[@cybercat29]

That is an excellent idea!

[@idschipper4057]

Having grown up near Arnhem, The Netherlands (where part of Market Garden took place), I am deeply grateful for your Uncle's selflessness to help liberate Europe from the evil Nazi regime. . I was born long after WWII ended (1970) and when The Netherlands were prospering in freedom. My parents were small children during the war and in my father's photoalbums are pictures of very young friends of his, who did not survive the war, because they were victims of the Holocaust. At home and in school, I was taught the infinitive value of freedom and without brave men like your Uncle, this great gift would never have become a reality. Thank you! Best regards, Irene Schipper, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

[@lisab9541]

That was a lovely post.

[@baboom007]

03:03 "I didn't know him...but love him." I think we should remember this line. People in the past helped us having the world we have now. We should love them for their sacrifice.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

As an educated Brit, I am only well area that some literary giants are content to "wonder lonely as a cloud . . ." This GIANT was not content to to have that privilege denied to his fellow human beings. To lay down his life on foreign soil, in furtherance of histories only 'just' war is [to my non-theistic mind at least] worthy to be considered the gift of GODS. Just sayin'

[@franceslalchan5834]

Stephen! I am listening to you reading such powerful heart felt letter brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this true life story. Nothing fake about it. God bless you all.

[@jenpenn22]

War has cut down so many remarkable young men before they got their chance to make their mark on society. It saddens me this young man couldn't go on after the war to write or other forms of creative expression. His poem moved me to tears and I am so happy you shared that with us. His words deserved an audience. I wonder if you would consider publishing his letters?

[@superspeed221]

The elegance of his words astounds me. How far we’ve fallen from the poetic speech of a serviceman in 1944 to the incoherent ramblings of the leader of the free world in 2019. Being “Great Again” would be nice. Dare to dream.

[@nicolenox7882]

The world was robbed of an artist. 💙

[@cybercat29]

Yeah 😢

[@cestwhat1317]

It’s hard to imagine how many great people died in war and what they could have contributed to society and family had they lived. Eddie is one of those people. Stephen is one Eddie would be so proud of right now. I’m a 27 year Veteran and I am damn proud of what Stephen is doing for our country and the collective psyche of we who hold true to the values Eddie and so many sacrificed for.

[@TheHSoko]

Thank you for the reading. Just a beautiful letters. So deep. So meaningful.

[@kirikou306]

Thank you Stephen, that was so beautiful and moving. How proud you must be of your uncle.

[@Ihnini]

If we only had a president with a quarter of this man's inspiration and wisdom.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Indeed . . . if only we could demand a system of governance where those who actively seek power were disbarred in favour of those worthy of having it thrust upon them. Just sayin'.

[@SS-nx2xx]

@StevenRobinson Plato has already proffered this idea in his Republic for the Athenian democracy. Didn't work, and still doesn't. Your democracy until very recently was the best the world has to offer, be grateful and work to make it perfect. Some of us can't.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

@@SS-nx2xx Would that this were true. Alas, least worse is not the same as best... but you point is understood and well received, reletivistically speaking. Unfortunately, the schism between national socialism masquerading as concervitism and democratic socialism is unbridgeable and will remain so beyond my lifetime. The best I can offer is to educate my 4-year-old to value divercity and look to protect and support all those who cannot defend themselves; and hope that others do likewise...

[@kaziiqbal7257]

Every Memorial Day, every D Day, every Veterans’ Day, and every day, we raise a glass to Eddie. Though futile, may we leave a glass empty to be filled on his return.

[@mav8535]

Thanks from Germany, may we all live in peace now!

[@Dodelijk144]

Artistry and eloquence run in your veins. That was beautiful.

[@annadler1308]

Thank you for this Mr. Colbert. Your uncle's letter was so beautiful it made me cry. Hearing you read that letter reminded me of all the times my grandfather told me stories of his time in the war. Thank you for letting me remember my beloved grandfather. God bless you sir ✌

[@DianeSeversonMori]

That was beautiful, Stephen. What a precious gift your uncle gave to posterity. And I'm with Brother Indy: Publish them!

[@leannepaxton5012]

Oh my, Stephen’s uncle had an amazing way with words and his imagination. Such a shame that he did not survive the war. I believe that if he had, his name would have been well known, either through his writing or his imagination that may have led him to the world of making movies. He could have been an author, a playwright, someone who could have brought beauty into our world through his beautiful imagination. His letter was so touching. And that was only one, out of a huge binder of letters. I’m sure those letters mean so much to Stephen’s family, but what a gift it could be if they were published in a book. 😌

[@cybercat29]

I agree with you 100% 😢

[@couragekarnga8735]

Thank you to every brave person who served on that day and those currently serving. Thank you from the depths of our hearts.

[@aishwaryaviswanathan4753]

People really had a way with words back then. That was so beautiful and moving. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

As an educated Brit, I am only well area that some literary giants are content to "wonder lonely as a cloud . . ." This GIANT was not content to to have that privilege denied to his fellow human beings. To lay down his life on foreign soil, in furtherance of histories only 'just' war is [to my non-theistic mind at least] worthy to be considered the gift of GODS. Just sayin'

[@aishwaryaviswanathan4753]

@@stevenrobinson4692 *aware

[@aishwaryaviswanathan4753]

@@stevenrobinson4692 also just wondering, if you are non-theistic, why would you even consider it a gift of god?

[@KienDLuu]

The eloquence of a scholar and heart of a lion. What a letter.

[@homesweetsomewhere]

That takes ones breath away. So sad and beautiful.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Doesn't it though . . . Great words stand like granite edifices, impervious to the ravages of time. As an educated Brit, I am well area that some literary giants are content to "wonder lonely as a cloud . . ." This GIANT was not content to to have his fellow human beings denied that privilege. To lay down his life on foreign soil, in furtherance of histories few 'just' war is [to my non-theistic mind at least] worthy to be considered the gift of GODS. Just sayin'

[@vanimaduray5473]

My word. What a glorious tribute to those brave soldiers who fought against tyranny and reclaimed freedom for the world. Thank you Stephen for sharing such a personal part of your family's history with us.

[@alanademetri390]

Stephen PLEASE do an audiobook or publish those letters

[@lorrie2878]

Absolutely! Hey, Stephen!

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

Yes please. Profits to vets?

[@cybercat29]

Both 😢

[@LisaLisa001]

That's beautiful. I have one of my grandpa's letters from WWII tattooed on my arm. It's about a runny nose and laundry though. It was my favorite of all the letters I have. I was so lucky to hear his stories.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Respect . . . notwithstanding the subject matter; some words stand like granite edifices, impervious to the ravages of time. As an educated Brit, I am well area that some literary giants are content to "wonder lonely as a cloud . . ." These GIANTS were not content to have there fellow human beings denied that privilege. To lay down there lives on foreign soil, in furtherance of one of histories few 'just' wars is [to my non-theistic mind at least] worthy to be considered the gift of GODS. Just sayin'

[@bunchoffuckingbullshit5482]

That letter was penned by a genius, a poet, a lover, a son. What a sickening waste that he was taken by the political evil that is war. So very glad that he can live on through his letters. Thank you, Stephen, for sharing.

[@googleuser2874]

Beautifully written, what a poet your Uncle was Mr. Colbert. We need more of this reflection and grace on television.

[@teonnaweakfall1606]

Much love Stephen 😘😘 bless your uncle soul

[@Hannah-ks4mi]

You're a lovely man Stephen. Your compassion and love for your uncle shows just who you are. : )

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Agreed . . . 100% What fine DNA his family have coursing through their veins . . . generation after generation, it would appear.

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Stunning, wasn't it . . . ?

[@silvia211171]

I see your show to laugh, not to cry 😭 just beautiful, a man in the midst of horror could still see love and beauty 🙏💚💜❤️

[@ccAshercc]

Beautiful. God bless the Greatest Generation. They died in their millions for us and we must never forget their bold and tragic sacrifice.

[@sunyellow703]

Ok, well, now I'm crying! 😭 Sorry that you lost such a beautiful, thoughtful and poetic soul, and that never never got to meet your dear uncle, Stephen! 💞😥May he rest in peace! 🙏🏼✝️ Our country as well as our allies are safer and more secure thanks to his gracious self-sacrifice. 💔 What a shame he didn't live on, but you memorialize him perf ctly in the reading of his letter home. ❤️

[@sirsmokeefortwence25]

Poetic... Truly terrible to lose so many good, young men. Those poor soldiers could have done great things, but war is hell. Rest in peace, young heros.

[@trini_chillihead]

Very fine soliloquy by your uncle & an emotional one for me. Thanks Stephen for sharing; your show always brings well meaning and fitting light-heartedness to our troubled times.

[@AnnaC63]

Perfection ! The letter, the reading and Stephen’s comment;. “ I didn’t know him, but I love him.” . Now thanks to his immortalized words, so do I. God bless you , Stephen’s uncle.

[@loopkill]

That was so powerful... I'm literally stunned right now. And for a video that I randomly stumbled onto! Stephen, thank you so much for sharing these beautiful words!

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Ditto . . . overwhelming, especially for a Brit! Are we worthy? As things stand . . . I suspect not.

[@MulrySquare]

So beautiful, and moving to understand the soul of a young man cut down by war. Very generous and poetic to share with all of us.

[@inarishrine]

Education and expression of thoughts at that time was surely something else ...

[@stevenrobinson4692]

Towering, wasn't it . . . if only we could ALL prove ourselves worthy. I suspect that I am not!

[@tthappyrock368]

Stephen Colbert, your uncle wrote beautifully! Definitely that talent runs in your family!

[@nunnayrbznez7745]

LOVED THAT FIRST POETIC OFFERING!!! THANKS STEPHEN. MADE MY DAY...right to the heart ❤.

[@lurchlogan]

Thanks for sharing Stephen, I absolutely love letters from history. I also have an Uncle,a Great Uncle in fact, that never made it back from the war. His name was (Cpl.)Marcus Simmons(I don't remember which unit).But he was Killed In Action in Italy in 1943. He's commemorated on a War Memorial Statue where I live in Oregon. He's one of very few out of hundreds of names that have K.I.A. next to it. I obviously never knew him(I was born in 1982)but he's family & I love him nonetheless for his sacrifice. We don't have any pictures so I don't know what he looks like. I always think of him on days like these(June 6th.). 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@lordodysseus]

To paraphrase the rest of the comment section, that, Stephen, was beautiful. I have nothing more to add.

[@VianneyCreates]

That is very sad. I didn't know this about Colbert's family. Thank you, Stephen, for reading such a lovely letter and thank your mother and her family for us all.

[@rocketscience4516]

I welled up listening to that letter. I have just this week found records of my father's service - landed on Juno beach on D-Day +1, with a mission to scale sea cliffs and disable a Nazi gun battery. He was a marine in 46 Royal Marine Commando. He was 3 months into his 20th year. He survived the war, but many of 46RMC did not.

[@bethe192]

Marine, D - Day .. now there's a father to make a son proud. Good for you dear, and thank you to your dad for bravery beyond comprehension.

[@rocketscience4516]

​@@bethe192 Yes, although I abhor militarism, I do feel proud that he did his duty in that unique war against a unique enemy, perhaps the only wholly justifiable military response in history. Here is a photo of him in uniform that I found online. He's in this bunch - 　gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Btroop.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Around 10 of those people would be dead 3 months later. My father, along with most of the survivors of that troop, was captured on June 11th, when a couple of SS Panzer tanks chased them down in a waist-high cornfield strewn with barbed wire. The tanks opened fire with their machine guns, but my father's troop had only single-shot rifles and a few grenades immediately available - no use against tanks. A bullet passed through my father's water bottle strap. Other bullets killed his comrades. There was no escape so they surrendered, having already fought their way inland for four days.

[@bethe192]

@@rocketscience4516 No words. Incredible odds against his survival. What a fine example of TRUE bravery. Thank you so much for sharing your father's story. He is what defines courage, and the ultimate in true dedication to country.

[@nanfredman1991]

Those letters...wow. Our hearts reach across the years to touch, unknown but always together. Thank you, Eddie.

[@Foam0Fett]

Stuff like this is what sets Stephen apart...clearly it was in his blood to achieve greatness.

[@carlinetorweihe4246]

Astonishing, Mr. Colbert!! Real prose. So descriptive of England. Many thanks for sharing such a special memory!! Most touching!!

[@Chashunka]

Thank you, Lieutenant Andrew Edward Tuck! What a wonderful way to stay alive.

[@megzeppelinn]

Beautifully written and performed. Love the poetry of Irish storytelling. What a talented, soulful family

[@kimmielew8301]

So incredibly poignant and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@fukushimareactor4]

What a beautiful letter. A true poet in my mind. How lucky we are because you cared to share it with us. Thank you.

[@julietv4275]

😌💕💞 my words are not necessary right now just my feelings.

[@rumple269]

Then why broadcast your words and emojis out to a vast network. It was enough for you to love.

[@SunflowerSpotlight]

Ashir N Commenting increases interaction, which helps the video and it’s creators. 💫

[@Cajek2]

Dump: loser Stephen Colbert’s uncle died in world war 2. I prefer veterans that don’t die.

[@lauriejanes6511]

Cajek I prefer people who are not named cajek and who are not assholes.

[@rumple269]

@@SunflowerSpotlight that selfless, altruistic intention was unlikely hers, and a poor one besides.

[@douglaspatrick868]

Choked me up watching this, I'm an admirer of and a sucker for poetry though haha! I wish Stephen's uncle Eddie had lived to keep telling his stories and writing his poems. He's clearly a talented, thoughtful, and sensitive person who was fully engaged in the world around him, and he willingly gave his life to protect that which was good in it. People like that we can always do with more of! I would love to see Stephen consider publishing a collection of his war writing and use the proceeds to help disadvantaged former service members and their families, especially families of those that didn't come home or lost the struggle many face after returning and took their own lives. That was an incredible soldier's poem, worthy of Joyce Kilmer, Alan Seeger, or even T. S. Eliot, I appreciate Mr. Colbert sharing it.

[@NewMessage]

While watching the news, my youngest asked "Why do they call it D-day?", a moment before a picture of Donnie popped on screen, and she just uttered "Oh.", to which my oldest added, "That's why everyone's so sad." I cleared up the misunderstanding.. but it was difficult to keep a straight face. Much love to you and your uncle, Stephen.

[@leannepaxton5012]

You know, I see your comments on so many of the channels and videos that I watch. It is extremely rare for me to not give you a 👍🏼. 😊

[@jrnew1378]

I do not know if I just cry or laugh for this anecdote.⁉ 😕

[@Tsototar]

your children have good sense 😊

[@jpe1]

New Message who is “Donnie”?

[@bigboiiiii7764]

@@jpe1 You know, the little Donnie boy president of the US

[@pangyr]

To bad no one write letters anymore. That letter is so beautiful and poetic and so hopeful. So sad he was not survive the war. Prayers to your uncle, Stephen.

[@ordewingate448]

Millions gained their freedom because of the sacrifices of men like your uncle, but millions were denied, by that same sacrifice, the beauty men like him could have brought to the world. That is the very definition of 'bittersweet'. You come from good and noble stock, Mr Colbert.

[@maggie198333]

What a beautiful letter. He was a good poet.

[@teedee8536]

That was perfect. Thank you.

[@racheldollton]

This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen... Thank you, Stephen.

[@cloudwatcher608]

Give this man and show a freaking Emmy already for goodness sake

[@Azrael_Garou]

Not Colbert, but here's the episode of 'The Late Late Show' that won Craig Ferguson a Peabody Award; kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2OynXSbZ7iZm9U

[@dahawk8574]

What we just witnessed here goes way beyond any award.

[@LuisaPlantierMartins]

Beautiful, made me cry! Your uncle was a poet Stephen, and now we know from whom you got your talent!