Memorial Day: A Forgotten History

Memorial Day hearkens to the most divisive time in the nation's history, but brings Americans together in common cause - remembering the soldiers who died in combat serving their country. The History Guy remembers the origins of the American holiday, "Memorial Day."
This episode was originally published in May of 2017. Because of sound and lighting issues, we decided to remake the episode, with some new information added.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
This episode covers a period of conflict. All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #MemorialDay

[@GaryD35205]

Respects to your great uncle George and all who left for war and never came back.

[@elaineandjohn9599]

Spλ time and place, time and place.

[@thearmchairaviator3136]

As an Australian. Thank you Mr The History Guy for teaching me the history about your Memorial day in the United States.

[@freesk8]

The Pogues - The band played waltzing matilda kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYvUf2Sdod9ngLs

[@jetterofletcher5682]

Eh, your country's military history is as storied and honorable as they come. If we Americans are truly honorable, we would tip a cap to our Australian allies who have sacrificed and displayed heroism as much as anybody.

[@mikeyerke3920]

The Australian Military fought well on many occasions with the US Military. We, American Veterans, do not forget that. 🇺🇸 🇦🇺

[@roderick2105]

Yes, I agree with your comment Armchair Aviator, and this episode is made even more memorable by the History Guy's very moving dedication to his much loved great uncle.

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

@@jetterofletcher5682 :- You are lucky in that you belong to that small group of nations not yet invaded by the U.S. Here in Canada, we have fought along side with the Americans in several wars as allies & call them friends, but cannot forget the two or three times the Americans invaded our lands in an attempt to fulfill their manifest destiny doctrine.

[@davidstewart5811]

Edward Thompson Farmer, March 1945, France; my uncle. RIP

[@nobody-ly9ef]

My birthday is 30 may 1972....I find it to be a humbling day, and I proudly spend that day, by myself, working in my memorial garden not celebrating me but honoring others. Never forget.

[@marbleman52]

the beard That is a noble and inspiring thing that you do. You have my respect.

[@kevinbissett293]

Thank you for that piece of Memorial Day history. We bow our head to the fallen, and remember your Uncle George.

[@shawnharrington9548]

Excellent. This should be shown in school.

[@raedwulf61]

Absolutely. Too many think the day is about saving 20% on a new mattress.

[@unclebs74]

I hope everyone realizes that "learning" doesn't need to happen only in "school". If you're a parent, or have children you influence, setting them down in front of your smart contraption and showing them this program is, most likely, far better than anything the school would teach them. Cheers.

[@tfromtennbama]

Excellent...and obviously heartfelt.

[@alimerhi5531]

Love this guy.

[@donf3877]

Come on now Shawn... you should realize that, at least in the larger cities, teaching that the US is anything good or to be proud of, is no where to be found. My daughter, after hearing what my granddaughter in fourth grade was being taught, quit her much needed job in order to home-school both of her daughters. Her husband agreed that living on less was a small price to pay to teach their children that the US was in fact a good nation and needed to be maintained as is instead of bowing to socialism.

[@kamurray67]

Today my family honors Gil Zerbst, USMC, KIA April 7, 1968. He maned a M 60 while mortally wounded protecting his brother Marines until he succumbed to his wounds.

[@williamkeith8944]

SEMPER FI

[@williamkeith8944]

SEMPER FI, he is not forgotten🇺🇸

[@electrichellion5946]

88Gibson LesPaul - well said and this Memorial Day comes as our government once again sends young men and women into harms way to go fight in a conflict of our own making to protect our national interests. It seems we the people remember history but the politicians eager to send our countries young adults yet again to a foreign land to fight have not learned from history and again repeat history ensuring our further need of Memorial Day.

[@jamessilberschlag1705]

Sadly, we will always have more wars as long as there is money to be made at it... Politicians and industrialists get rich, and we, the people, pay the price in blood and gold.

[@therenumerator9198]

Deserves to be remembered. A somber reminder of the dedication of those who have passed in our defense. All gave some, some gave all is not just a catch phrase, it is a fact.

[@SVL76dash2]

As a Gulf War veteran and someone who has lost too many beloved friends to that area of the world, thank you. I would add that for many families Memorial Day is every day. The only time I saw my grandfather, a survivor of Normandy and the march into Germany, cry was on Memorial Day as he remembered his brothers who didn't return home. It is very important for the following generations to understand these things.

[@millerjerm9236]

My father was like that the only times I ever seen him cry was when he gave a speech about his service in the army and how he didn't give as much as his friends who didn't make it back. After his deployment he was greeted by a crowd at the airport who cheered and gave gifts but as he walked he cried because he felt embarrassed since he was just a JAG officer and he simply did his normal job in the middle east and that he wasn't the one to be cheered for. I am lucky to not know anyone who has lost their lives but I hope to one day honor them to my fullest.

[@mikebtrfld1705]

My uncle George joined the army in 1938, he was 16 years old. Before Pearl Harbor he was in Burma, flying with the Flying Tigers. A captain at 19 years old. He flew throughout the war, and after that the Berlin Air Lift. After he got home no airline would hire him, not even Flying Tiger Air. He had not even a highschool degree. My uncle Franklin joined the marines right after Pearl Harbor, he was 14 years old. He served with Carlson's Raiders in the Solomon Islands. Butterfields were with General Washington, and every war since. General Dan Butterfield of the North adapted the bugle call Taps for his men. Happy Memorial Day to all. Yes they'd want you to be happy.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

It wasn't until recently I had always called this day decoration day. I've heard people call it Memorial Day but my great grandfather and grandfather always used decoration day. We laid flowers on family graves and civil war and WW1 and 2 veterans. And while we did this my grandfathers spoke of civil war soldiers they knew. These are very emotional memories to me. Thank you Mr. History man.

[@Gizmomadug]

I too remember an uncle I never knew on November 11th, known here as Poppy Day. Serjeant John McKay of the Gordon Highlanders died in Normandy, 1944.

[@krokodyl1927]

Gizmo Madug The poppy flower 🌺 is a symbol of remembrance. 😔

[@chrisneedham5803]

My father also took part on D-day and survived. He is no longer with us but I think of him and his comrades every 6 June and 11 November

[@krokodyl1927]

Chris Needham My dad who I at times still miss terribly was taken as slave labor when the nazis invaded Poland. He ‘graduated’ from Dachau Germany concentration camp when our American soldiers liberated it. He was a remarkable survivor. Whenever I met anyone that knew my dad, they always spoke reverently of him. His group of closest friends affectionately called him krokodyl.

[@paulboy9101]

People wear poppies on Armistice Day, now Remembrance Day on November 11th. It comes from all the poppies that would bloom on Flanders fields in WW1. I wear one in the US. I bought it in Canada. The Brits and Canadians had is especially tough in Normandy. As the land they controlled was narrowest, the Germans threw multiple Waffen SS divisions at them to drive them into the sea. They held and pushed the Germans back.

[@krokodyl1927]

Paul Boy Blue artificial poppies are given away by veterans outside USPS centers during Veterans Memorial Day (Nov 11) week. USPS is closed on Veterans Day.

[@vilstef6988]

An excellent episode, and a touching dedication.

[@Aviyaytor]

As a veteran, your ending and dedication brought tears to my eyes. Godspeed my brother in arms, and your Uncle George. 🇺🇸 You are a great part of history.......................................................................that ALWAYS deserves, and will be remembered! Thank you, History Guy as we remember those who gave all. Slow hand salute....................two................carry on.

[@thedyingtitan1247]

I’m crying, good on your old uncle George! May he Rest In Peace.

[@jesusbeloved3953]

Well done, sir. Making it personal brings home the awful truth of what war truly cost.

[@mikes1345]

Your comment sums it up. Let no one forget is all i can add!

[@captblackeagle]

My Great Uncle, Ben White died aboard the USS Hobson, just off the Azores in 1952. I never knew him...but I always remember him.

[@scottsmith4612]

The Hobson's story deserves to be remembered!

[@budgetfamilyadventures8391]

Add to your dedication - Spc. Lauro "DJ" DeLeon III. 644th Transportation Co, 7th Transportation BN. KIA September 8, 2004 - IED Balad, Iraq. Age 20, Floresville, TX.

[@hlynnkeith9334]

I salute your great-uncle. I salute all those who gave all.

[@JimVanderveen]

Thank you for mentioning the flag etiquette of Memorial Day. This symbolism is an important reminder for all of us and deserves to be remembered.

[@skychildoflight9867]

As a veteran (retired combat veteran), Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day means remembering my brothers and sisters that have died for our country and your tribute to us is greatly appreciated and welcome!!! I salute your Great Uncle George whom served our country proudly and gave the ultimate sacrifice. He is not forgotten. Thank you History Guy and thank you to your wonderful family!

[@finnmccool2549]

Great episode & Respect to your Uncle...My G/father was KIA at Dunkirk... Never forgotten.

[@donc2446]

What a fitting tribute to your uncle. Here is to him and to all Americans who gave "the last full measure of devotion."

[@philgiglio7922]

More than a million of us have paid the ultimate poll tax. And I don't think jfk would have wanted 58000 of us to die for their country. His "ask not...

[@sanewfield1]

Very moving. Thank you again for a wonderful reminder. God bless you on this day of remembrance.

[@peterlisyak5396]

The Australian Memorial Day is called Anzac Day, this is where we remember our fallen from all conflicts. Anzac stands for Australian & New Zealand Army Corps. Thank you for your upload and remembrance for without these put in front of the public many would simply forget about those who fought and died for our freedoms.

[@dinascharnhorst6590]

A very moving presentation, Sir. The personal connection at the end was most poignant. Thank you.

[@johnkelley9877]

A wonderful tutorial. Thank you for sharing this great part of history, remembering all who defended us but did not come home.

[@stephenn1056]

Darn it, that last bit hit me right in the feels

[@williamtraynor-kean7214]

A Bravo Zulu History Guy, We semi observe Memorial Day by renewing the US and Union flags on the 401st Bomber Group memorial at Deenethorpe UK

[@tomminton5512]

Thank you.

[@erictroxell2298]

NO FAIR!!! your wonderfully touching ending is going to make a lot of us cry....well done.

[@gumunduringigumundsson9344]

Even me..

[@bobapbob5812]

respect to my great uncle Franklin Hutchins, 13th New York Cavalry, died May 5 1864 in Andersonville prison, GA at age 16.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Absolutely outstanding! As a veteran, I salute your Uncle George -- and family members of mine -- that never made it home. Your Uncle George will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[@lemmdus2119]

To bring our country together so we could move forward and meet the challenges. Happy Memorial Day.

[@pattonpending7390]

Not to be pedantic, but this is a time to remember our war dead and those that fought and died for the freedoms we all enjoy. There should be nothing "happy" about it.

[@steverichardson7417]

Rest easy George. Your sacrifice ensure "All Secure" then and now.

[@mfreund15448]

Thanks you Uncle George! You deserve to be remembered!

[@groermaik]

Many do not realize this is specifically to remember those who died serving this country. When my dad was in the service, he was taught what this day is really about, and made sure we knew as well. I tell all who make the common error, that while appreciation for vets is always appropriate, Memorial Day is for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. They truly deserve to be remembered.

[@tfromtennbama]

Excellent...and obviously heartfelt.

[@raymondreimer7521]

May God Bless all those Men and Women and their families

[@vespelian5274]

Very moving dedication to your Great Uncle George. I was touched.

[@cptrestlesssteven6469]

Well done sir! This day I remember a significant amount of serving family. My heart aches as WWII vets are dying at an exceptional rate and almost gone from the living. My son is in Afghanistan in harm's way.

[@cptrestlesssteven6469]

@David Moore most certainly I will! Thank your niece and nephew they not only serve but have chosen paths least traveled by most. When individuals say there is no hope in the youth. Just invite them to a base. I can't get to a door fast enough to open it.

[@robertelliott3286]

Really enjoyed your bow tie in today's episode. Salute to your Uncle George and all those who died in the service to our country.

[@oldman0995]

When I saw your folded flag, I thought of the one I have in my home office. My father served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. My father in law served in WW2 and was a guard at the Nuerenburg war trials. Both were fortunate enough to come home. I have eternal respect and admiration for all who served, especially for people like your Uncle George. Thank you for preserving their memory and helping us to remember what they did for all of us and the generations to come

[@Q-BinTom]

Thank you for sharing with all of us.............. and to all my Brothers & Sisters our watch is over I have the wall R.I.P.

[@PelenTan]

Damn... there's a lot of dust in the air today.... Another great video. And I'm going to keep repeating it until it happens. These need to be shown in schools.

[@Rick_Bagnall]

Thank you for reminding us what this day is truly for. My respects to youyr family and to all of any family who have lost loved ones in combat.

[@seththomas9105]

Respect and honor to your Great Uncle. From a great-great grandson of solders of the Grand Army of the Republc. Never forgotten, always honored.

[@bigsteve6200]

Memorial Day, Honoring, Remembering and being greatful to those we can never thank enough. Semper Fi

[@maxsmodels]

I have a somewhat odd attitude towards Memorial day. I am a non-combat veteran. I served so that my fellow countrymen could go about their affairs unconcerned with their national security. I appreciate that decoration/memorial day was intended to show respect for the sacrifice for those who have served, yet as one who has served (even if not in a time of war) I am happy to see my fellow countrymen use the time to have fun and to go about their affairs unconcerned with their national security. I, and many like me, served to allow this very thing. To all who served, thank you. To all who enjoy the security of our service, you are welcome. The honor was to serve such a noble cause.

[@bikerchrisukk]

Your genuine sincerity deserves it's own respect.

[@MrScott1171]

My father is named after my great uncle too. He was in the Navy in WWII and was killed in Action. Thank you for sharing. And as a Veteran myself, I salute you for reminding us about Memorial day and what it means.

[@dayender]

I can still have memories growing up when Memorial Day fell on weekdays. Watching the Indy 500 with my father on our first color tv on a Thursday was thrilling

[@dobypilgrim6160]

My dad was named after his first cousin Raymond. Raymond was a B29 tail gunner who was lost in the Pacific. I am named after my dad, and that long-forgotten young man who also never came home. Forgotten to history and even much of my family, but not by me. Thanks for showing us your Uncle George.

[@262marcus]

As an Englishman, I was unaware of the significance of this weekend to Americans, but found the episode fascinating and touching. It is vital that each generation appreciates that the sacrifice made by others laid the foundations for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today. God bless America

[@LV_CRAZY]

Our family has paid the price too, sir.As you remember your great uncle George we recall our great uncle Joseph. I've never heard the history of Memorial Day so well applied to some of the deepest festering wounds in the moral soul of this nation. Thank you.

[@rplpalacio1920]

I salute your uncle George and will remember him in my prays tonight thank you for the video

[@em1osmurf]

i retired with 21 years in the USN, my father did 21 years from 1939 in the USMC, including Guadalcanal and the Pacific Campaign, Korea, and VietNam. an uncle that was an army horse veterinarian in WW1, and another relative that marched off to the Spanish-American War, and never returned. i have 2 great (x 5) uncles that served on either side of the War Between the States that disappeared into battlefield cemeteries. if folks look back far enough, everyone's family has given much to this wonderful land. thank you for your effort for this Memorial Day.

[@gregkerr725]

Thank you for this video which shows us how people fresh off the suffering and death of the Civil War could learn to forgive and honor each other's sacrifices. If those who actually fought and those who lost loved ones could do it back then...surely we ought to be able to do the same today.

[@bigearl3867]

To all of the fallen, and the families of the fallen. you have my respect and thanks. They paid a bill I'll never be able to pay back to them. Thank you.

[@harryshriver6223]

An excellent episode, kudos to you for remembering your great uncle George, a very touching moment. As a veteran who appreciates the sacrifices made by my brothers and sisters in arms, I salute him and everyone else who never came back home from every war.

[@scottsmith4612]

Nicely done. Thank you Sir.

[@frizwad]

Thank you for your work to commemorate this holiday and all those lost.

[@happybirthdayhi7758]

Thank you. ..for yet another great video. ...and your dedicated and respectful tone and heartfelt feelings toward our fallen .... I never served but will never allow disrespect of those did.....once again. ..Thank you! .

[@zhugeliang1000]

Can’t wait to watch this...my 9 year old daughter and I enjoy these together and this one will be very fitting for today! Cheers

[@Thor-rq4lk]

Thank you History Guy. I am in tears as I listen to the dedication of this episode to your great uncle George. It reminds me of my mother‘s uncle, Sergeant Walter Harris Junior West Union Ohio. By all accounts he was a great guy and I would really like to of gotten to know him. Unfortunately he was killed in action on Iwo Jima the day before the Islander was declared secure. We owe him and men like him a debt that we can never repay.

[@joseHernandez-xc4ix]

Thank you God bless EVERYONE of them

[@mkerlin2510]

Excellent video, we must remember those that paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Freedom has never been free. Thank you Sir.

[@WorldofWarshipsOfficialChannel]

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for helping to remember that part of history:)

[@andrewm4564]

Thank you for your touching memorial of your Great Uncle George. I would also like to honor the memory of my wife's uncle, SFC Earl Copple, who died on 18 January 1951 in Kumyangjang-ni, south of Seoul, Korea. He captured an enemy machine gun and covered the escape of his patrol from an ambush before he was killed. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. There is an Earl Copple Army Recruitment Center in Centralia, Illinois (where he was from) and a Copple Reception Center at Ft. Knox, KY. My wife's family (including our sons and I) was invited to the dedication of the Copple Reception Center. Two of my sons later spent eight years in the Army Reserves.

[@TheStevenp851]

Thank you for the tribute to your uncle George. I was truly touched by your sincere remembrance

[@BrokeTheInterweb]

Incredibly humbling to process that the total number of men and women we’ve lost to war in the entire history of our nation is very close to the total number of men and women our nation has lost to the pandemic in just 2 years. May all of our fallen compatriots live on in our memories.

[@danam0228]

Please do a video about your Great Uncle George

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I may. We have very slim record of how he died.

[@webbtrekker534]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Request all his records from the Archives including his medical records. As family you are entitled to them plus his medals and awards if you don't already have them. That is how I got my Dads.

[@MichaelSchwagerPlace]

Thanks, History Guy. And thanks to your Great Uncle George. Now- who's cutting those onions? This was a very poignant episode.

[@UndeadVikingVideos]

Thank you to your great uncle for his service and his sacrifice.

[@cwo8771]

Nicely done, sir. Thanks for the reminder. Thanks to all the fallen, and God bless America!

[@MarshOakDojoTimPruitt]

Thank You !!! hope you and your family have a great Memorial Day !!!

[@frankabate3493]

Good Job and Thank You Uncle George.

[@MikeWalsh-b6w]

Beautiful tribute to your great uncle.

[@tobinprowant10]

My great Uncle Searle died in the argan forest during the battle of the bolt. He is certainly someone who deserves to be remembered.

[@steveclark4291]

Wow that was a very touching ending ! Thank you Uncle George for your service and I Salute You Sir ! Rest In Peace Sir !

[@SnellSr]

A very poignant tribute to your Uncle George. Thanks for bringing the personal touch to such a worthwhile episode.

[@frankglover1554]

Your Great Uncle George joined my Uncle "Jr" Alexander , KIA France June 13, 1944

[@cen7ury]

Thank you. Yet another incredible video. The dynamic duo that is The History Guy is nothing short of a national treasure.

[@vmbrister3278]

WOW! HEAR! HEAR! To your Great Uncle George! This IS my Very Favorite Lesson that you have made to this point! You Are Amazing, History Guy! God Bless Our Fallen...and Thank You for this video.

[@t8r507]

My father taught me the meaning when I was bout 11 years old, Dad had ritual of watching all the war pictures they show on TV all day long, he would talk bout his brother who was in Korea, he always told me how lucky we are here in America because of the sacrifices of brave soldiers for us to have the freedom that many dont have, I thank them brave souls, those who are here and those gone, THANK YOU!! GOD BLESS AMERICA

[@cjdfv]

Very touching ending.

[@briancooper2112]

R.I.P., the true heros are the men and women who didn't make it back.

[@catjudo1]

I'm glad you told us who was in the photo on the wall, Mr. History Guy, the one you tilted the camera for us to see and then held in your hands. I'm sure your uncle would be happy that he is remembered.

[@irongoatrocky2343]

TY for sharing and always NEVER FORGET! Memorial Day is a day that reminds us that Freedom is never Free! Any veteran will tell you the real hero's are the ones who gave their all! Bless you for what you do sir!

[@franknewling1139]

Another great video! I'm watching this a year later and it's right on point for this Memorial Day weekend.

[@garyclark3843]

I'm glad I was watching this alone. Your dedication made me cry a bit.

[@craigbowie8925]

I love your channel very much. Being a history nerd I love hearing of real things that happened and how they were important. This episode is very important and I believe one of your best. I especially appreciate the personal moment at the end. Thank you so very much.

[@rayking3009]

I do love this channel. This episode brings out the emotions in me. Thanks again!

[@sarjim4381]

I'm old enough to remember when this was still called Decoration Day. It was indeed on May 30 rather than always on a Monday of a three day weekend. A howitzer fired a salute at dawn as the flag was raised and then lowered, and another howitzer salute fired as the flag was raised again at noon. Both salutes were fired by the honor guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We had a town parade in the morning to the cemetery where school children (myself included) put a small US Flag on the grave of each service member's grave. We had a picnic, swimming at the lake, (assuming it was actually warm enough, not a sure thing in northern Ohio) and sometimes a town BBQ in the afternoon, but having the observance before any other fun things took place helped fix in my mind that some people died so I might enjoy an otherwise enjoyable and free day.

[@christophers.4286]

Another Terrific Video. Thank You History Guy!

[@elaineandjohn9599]

There just aren’t words or even combinations there of, in prose or poem, that can express the feeling of gratitude and respect for the fallen that served we all feel. Thank you.

[@brokenarrow7871]

That was a very somber segment History Guy. Thank you for bringing us back to reality. As a Veteran who has seen too much death I solute your Uncle George.

[@johngalt3568]

Sir: What a stirring yet solemn lesson on what it means to be an American. There were so many whose sacrifices deserve our reverence. Their stories remind us to listen to our better angels, to be the best citizens possible for the sake of those who laid and preserved or nation’s foundations. We owe this to them, and to ourselves. Thanks for telling us about Uncle George.

[@edschermer]

Thank you for sharing such a powerful reminder from your own family!

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

Thank you, this was a perfect way to start Memorial Day.

[@stoneyll]

Another great video from The History Guy~! I miss The History Cat.. And your lovely Wife.. You guys rock~!

[@laurakuhn8743]

Is the History Cat ok, did he pass on? He History Family is great!