Visiting the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery I THE GREAT WAR Special

[@usabmc]

Thanks for highlighting Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. This cemetery is one of 26 managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission, an agency funded completely by the U.S. federal government. Two of the staff members there are American, and the others are French. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff that ensure these hallowed grounds remain beautiful and pristine. Thanks for sharing our app and Facebook page.

[@TheGreatWar]

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to film on location. It was a great experience for all of us.

[@absurdist5134]

Thank you both for giving us, the viewers, the chance to see and learn about things that otherwise we'd never have the opportunity to see. I hope to visit one day.

[@NoName-kw3ek]

ABMCVIDEOS as a former American Soldier thank you so much for taking care of my comrades who gave their lives in long pass Wars... also a very special and heartfelt thanks to your French employees who watch over men from a foreign country

[@julz3tt3]

Thank you xx I will surely visit this memorial.

[@mikehartsook5281]

MY GREAT GREAT UNCLE CLAUDE MCKINNEY FROM HAMPTON TENNESSEE FOUGHT IN THAT BATTLE AND WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN OCTOBER 1918 HE WAS IN THE US ARMY AND THE 5TH INFANTRY DIVISION SOMETHING LIKE THAT THE BROUGHT HIS BODY BACK TO EAST TENNESSEE.

[@cliftonduke3]

Indy looks like a bond villain.

[@paulrigsby2099]

Clifton Duke "Do you expect me to film?"

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

"No mr. Neidell, I expect you to tour the cemetary."

[@stevekaczynski3793]

"Choose your next Special Episode carefully, Mr. Neidell."

[@ultrajd]

Clifton Duke "Do you expect me to talk?"

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

"Yes mr. Neidell, I do. Otherwise this would be pretty boring episode."

[@freelandguy121]

Dang, Indy has some style.

[@bobinbox1239]

Blunderwood ikr

[@defaultuser88]

you can tell he did his shopping in sweden, every one looks like this here because it's the H&M fashion

[@freelandguy121]

defaultuser88 or maybe its because Indy is cool af.

[@defaultuser88]

maybe

[@AtomicPeacenik]

Those puttees tho 👌🏽

[@Westie]

Very powerful video. Thank you for sharing this; a real reminder that there were people behind the numbers listed as dead.

[@TheGreatWar]

Will try to visit some other sights too.

[@arandomcx7240]

Westie" and I'll catch you guys...in the next video" -Westie

[@barronrickert3279]

"In my opinion, those soldiers died for my country. Some of them died for a freedom they would never experience. What would we do if we had to fight for another country's freedom?" That hit me pretty hard.

[@bradfordeaton6558]

A lot of Americans have died doing just that.

[@tombats6428]

The French helped us against the british in 1776

[@Anomaly-uz9pr]

tom bats that’s why we will always be friends to France 🇫🇷 🇺🇸

[@julz3tt3]

Indeed. They were extremely selfless and brave.

[@828enigma6]

So true. If anyone remembers, France helped us in every major conflict we have been in, including the Revolutionary War. And some minor ones.

[@Drowronin]

Leave it to France to make a war cemetery look like something glorious to be laid to rest in, and have a gorgeous lady take tender care of. Excellent video.

[@TheGreatWar]

+Drowronin well, it's designed by an American architect but yes, they are taking very good care.

[@Eonet99]

I don't think that has a place here even as a joke.

[@oOkenzoOo]

Dutch Dude And just like that, on a video that is about paying respect to the dead, you insulted the memory of millions of dead soldiers and their families.... bravo

[@lest5767]

Drowronin Not to discredit this particular cemetery, but you'll find that these type of cemeteries or war memorials from the world wars are usually very well kept across Europe, as they should.

[@jesuisbarteljaap404]

oOkenzoOo please don't act so butthurt. It is in no way an insult or whatever, it's merely a statement of the fact that the french aren't that great at warfare.

[@CArchivist]

To my 2nd great uncle, Peter S Owens, died October 18, 1918, Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Private, 325th Field Artillery Regiment. Buried Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Plot D, Row 22, Grave 26. R.I.P. Thanks to everyone at The Great War channel for showing us the beautiful but somber cemetery. It is a great reminder that there were people behind the names and casualty counts. May all their stories never be forgotten.

[@joejankoski8471]

Thank you for sharing this. I recently learned that my Great Uncle is buried here. He was KIA less than a month before the Armistice. He gave his name to a nephew he would never meet, my grandfather.

[@joejankoski8471]

Floyd H. Andrews H 29-36

[@GreggInTennessee]

What a gentleman Indy is. Notice towards the end he is carrying the box for her.

[@shaynewheeler9249]

😢😢😢❤❤❤

[@ramencurry6672]

Well she’s gorgeous so it’s easy to do that

[@bryanstrickner8809]

Thank you for the dignified presentation. Brought a tear to my eye to see the reverence and respect shown. liked your channel before...but this brought it to new level. MSgt USAF (ret)

[@TheGreatWar]

It was a great, formative experience to make this video too. Glad you liked it.

[@lesheinen6116]

I had the honor of being able to visit this cemetery in the summer of 2019. While the video did an excellent portrayal it was nothing like visiting in person. The wall of names in the chapel listing the soldiers whose whereabouts are unknown is very sobering to say the least. The whole experience was very emotional. Absolutely make a trip here if you possibly can and bring a box of tissues.

[@Legitpenguins99]

4:27 I bet his last thoughts before he died was "I just survived the largest bloodbath in human history, and now im gonna die from the goddamn flu."

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Probably a lot of people felt that way. The flu pandemic had a particularly cruel aspect - elderly people were left weakened by it but tended to survive, young people died, especially in the age group to have been called up for the military. Franz Kafka was perhaps in an intermediate group - he was affected by the flu pandemic while in his late thirties, but barely survived it, only to die of TB in 1924.

[@thechitownclown8972]

I'm pretty sure the Meuse-Argonne is ranked as the most intense battle the US ever fought in front of the biggest battle ever fought being the Battle Of The Bulge.

[@tombats6428]

I bet he did not get the flu shot...

[@ImperatorBaron]

Indy are you planning world domination?

[@Davidxdgh5]

He's not short enough.

[@TechDeals]

He needs a white cat!

[@lianhector9546]

Says Kaiser Kermit

[@dakotadurham6324]

We could only be so lucky

[@AlbarionRed007]

I grew up on a NATO base in Belgium--we had a US scout troop (of which I was a part), and we would visit the cemetery every couple years, spend the night, and clean the tombstones. I also attended a Canadian school on base, and visited Vimy Ridge several times on field trips. If you grow up in that area of the world, you just can't get away from the repercussions of the war. It's everywhere.

[@mcfontaine]

It's fantastic how much work they put into preparing each grave for a picture. Shows a huge amount of respect.

[@byronbreese3454]

Indy. Well done. Thank you and the crew for touring the cemetery. Manon is superb; she really does honor to our fallen and to France. My grandfather fought at the Meuse-Argonne, and survived; this veteran is grateful to you for showing us the scale and scope of the cost. It is such a beautiful and solemn place. Thanks again. Byron

[@paulchiavini6218]

I agree on Manon--amazing. My grandfather was with the 39th Infantry and survived as well. I will visit this cemetery in November this year.

[@dmh0667ify]

it was quite moving to hear Manon refer to them as "Our Soldiers". Bless the French and other Europeans who still appreciate the sacrifices of American soldiers on their behalf throughout the 20th Century.

[@iVETAnsolini]

Wow simply wow 😳. I fought in Afghanistan in 2010-2011, and I could never imagine what these men and women endured and had to go through. We made a fuss when we got to our JCOP and had no internet, these men slept in the mud. We had 3 part sleeping bag sleep systems, they didn't have anything close to what we had. In honor and memory of all these men who answered the governments call to duty thank you. And thank you to everyone at the Great War for bringing light on these past situations in which much of the general public these days don't quite grasp the enormity of that situation. Thank you guys so much and keep up the "Great" work

[@paulchiavini6218]

Thank you for your comments---and your tour in Afghanistan. My grandfather was with the 39th Infantry and survived. I will visit this cemetery in November this year.

[@will2Collett]

the young lady deserves a shout out for her presentation. Nice video.

[@garycargill3308]

My great uncle, Francis Sulley, is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. He died after the armistice, in January 1919 of pneumonia, probably after catching the Spanish flu. He served with a trench mortar battalion during the Meuse-Argonne offensive and that is why he is buried here. My great grandmother, Elizabeth Sulley, visited the cemetery in August 1930 as one of a group of Gold Star mothers -- the U.S. Government paid for the trip to Europe and the visit. I really do appreciate The Great War drawing attention to the cemetery with this special episode. I should also mention that Francis Sulley was one of the Yarrowdale sailors, who was held as a prisoner of war by Imperial Germany before the U.S. entered the war from January 1, 1917 until March 11, 1917. I know Indy mentioned the Yarrowdale men during an episode of The Great War earlier this year.

[@whatsinanameish]

Did you ask how such facilities were treated during the WW2 occupation? It makes me wonder if the Germans allowed general upkeep and turned a blind eye... or perhaps even allotted resources for it... or even closed the areas off.

[@marks_sparks1]

Robert Strader this question has been asked on other internet forums. Summation: the Wehrmacht didn't interfere with any cemetaries during WW2 (whether Jewish gravestones were interfered with by SS or Vichy French is another question). regarding great war memorials in towns and villages, the majority were also left alone, provided they weren't showing anti-German sentiment. An Australian memorial in the Somme region was destroyed because it showed a Digger bayoneting an eagle.

[@KinglerCakes]

marksandsparks1 Fascinating insight, who knew us Aussies would piss the Germans off in the middle of France haha

[@marks_sparks1]

www.ww1westernfront.gov.au/mont-st-quentin/visiting-mont-st-quentin.php

[@mergele1000]

Thanks for sharing the info marksandspark.

[@marks_sparks1]

mergele my pleasure

[@jlallison3]

I'm an American veteran, and I was stationed in Germany driving back from Paris one long weekend and went to see this cemetery eight or so years ago, because the signs on the highway had my travel buddies and I interested in seeing what this was. Going into it not knowing anything about it, aside from some general WWI history, you're just blown away by it. It's amazing and humbling all at the same time, especially if you're there as someone who is wearing the "same" uniform, serving the US overseas to help protect other countries, not your own. I have a picture from the middle of one of the plots that I put up every Memorial Day, and the first time I did my Grandpa, who spent some time in Europe, immediately recognized it and we had a cool conversation about the power that this place has. Glad to watch this and get more information on some of the things I saw, but didn't have a guide (stopping in on a random Sunday afternoon) to educate me about. Keep up the amazing work!

[@JassNL]

It was an awesome day of shooting! And the results are amazing! Proud my image made it to the banner, looks great guys! Well done!

[@ksytsma4realyo]

Wow. The world needs more thoughtful tour guides like this woman. Her comments about the inscription on the chapel are wonderful.

[@davididiart5934]

"We don't have any Generals." Telling, isn't it?

[@CJ87317]

There are a couple of Generals buried at our other WWI cemeteries. One at Sureness and one at Aisne-Marne. Both were Brigadiers. Also one has to remember that families were given the option of repatriating the dead, so just because none are buried at Meuse-Argonne doesn't mean one couldn't have ended up there.

[@tannerjordan3754]

Did you know statistically in the American civil war it was more dangerous to be a General than to be a private. Because so many generals were killed. Examples being Stonewall Jackson, General Reynolds, General Cleburne.

[@828enigma6]

Generals are not placed close to battle if it can be avoided. If killed or captured, their experience is lost, and if forced to talk, a lot of knowledge can be obtained by the enemy.

[@paxmule]

@@828enigma6 Maybe that would end the war.

[@acescouter1992]

I had family who fought for the Americans in the Meuse-Argonne, thanks for making this incredible video. It's very humbling to see and understand what my ancestors were up against.

[@sailcat9]

This is a beautiful monument dedicated to the young Americans who traveled so far from their homes and loved ones to give their all in battle. It's good to know they aren't forgotten. I wonder how many people visit this memorial each year and where they come from? Thanks for this excellent episode, Indy. Well done.

[@takashiross8553]

What a wonderful episode. Thanks Indy and Crew!

[@Ed-pn9id]

Lovely tour guide who shows great respect for American war dead that gave their lives to protect her country. That was very surprising to me coming from such a young girl. But I have had friends who have visited other war sites like Normandy and have been shown the same respect. Locals Thanking us for sending our young people to protect their home land.

[@jessegoplen]

Excellent episode, as always. My great-grandfather Harold Goplen was stationed in France in WWI, he was very lucky to have been in the veterinary corps, otherwise he might still be there in France and I wouldn't exist to make this comment.

[@jmullner76]

As long as those men remain in the hearts of whom their lives were given for, they did not die in vain. They served with honor and continue to show that some die so that others can be free. Thank you France for remembering those fallen A touching and well done video, bravo!

[@TheGreatWar]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@rogerpetronzio8337]

Indi.... You are a man of class. The way you dress, your choice of guides, and of course this show. You and your group have done an amazing job on this show. The world will miss it when its over. Hope your next project, whatever it might be is as successful. Thank you so much.

[@TheGodYouWishYouKnew]

As an American, I thank these men for their service and I'm sad that they never made it home again.

[@XJevoX]

Awesome production! Its filmed really well. Great job Indy and crew.

[@patrickmurphy6775]

Terrific special. Also, thank you France for the cemetary and dignity of the place.

[@gregm2208]

Greetings from just outside of Washington, DC. Thank you Manon for all you are doing to preserve the dignity and memories of American soldiers.

[@nathanmiller9926]

11:25 you can see Indy being a real gentleman :) carrying that box. Anyway on the video it is really sad and really interesting. I did enjoy this video and hope to see more in the future.

[@jd55niels34]

Very touching in the way she said " Our Soldiers" .

[@Zlatovous]

I tip my hat off to the camera man. I guess it was all done on the go, but the result is simply stunning. Great job!

[@RubenKemp]

The production quality is outstanding! Keep up the good work.

[@guysmith7824]

Indy-thanks for this episode, easily your best to date. It's one thing to see the grainy black and white photos of the dead in all your episodes. But nothing really hits home like the rows and rows of crosses over these young men who died in a far off place. It brought tears to my eyes. I hope to one day pay my respects personally. Thanks again for all you do for these young men who died so long ago. May they never be forgotten.

[@TheGreatWar]

It was a new experience for us too.

[@davidsigalow7349]

My son and I visited this cemetery several years ago as part of a battlefield tour, and it is a very profound place. One of the MOH recipients buried there is one of the pilots who located The Lost Battalion. It was very gratifying to see that in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy, memories are strong and the sacrifices of those Americans who gave their lives to keep Europe free are very much appreciated. PS: We also visited Verdun, which is practically beyond description.

[@nbwall56]

Manon, Indy and team, thank you so much for this beautiful tour. This means a great deal to me as an American.

[@Gate0r]

Awesome video guys! the drone footage was terrific in particular. Very informative too, added it to my must see list when/if i ever get over to europe. Keep up the good work!

[@rjprescott4742]

This was one of the most tastefully done cemetery tours I have ever seen.

[@LarrySteiner]

Outstanding video ! I visited this place 3 years ago - worth the trip. This video explains the size better than any explanation I could give when describing it to my friends.

[@SoothSprayer]

I've never seen a cemetery with such perfect organization. Well done.

[@maxsmodels]

It chills the bones to see so many crosses. For anyone who is interested I looked up Cpl. Stowers's MOH action. During an attack Cpl. Stowers company ran into an ambush and the German machine guns killed or wounded about half of the unit including the lieutenant commanding Stowers' platoon and the senior non-commissioned officers. Corporal Stowers, a section leader of a rifle squad, was now in command of his remaining platoon. He crawled toward a German machine gun nest and ordered his men to follow. The platoon reached the first German trench line and knocked out the German machine gun positions. Stowers then reorganized his men and led a charge against the second German line of trenches. During this assault, Stowers was hit, but kept going until he was shot a second time. He collapsed from blood loss but ordered his men to continue and take out the German guns. Inspired by Cpl. Stowers' courage, the men forged ahead and successfully forced the Germans from the. Cpl. Stowers, then died from his wounds.

[@alanholck7995]

I visited the cemetery a year ago; my grandfather's older brother is buried there. Beautiful place. Was number one one bucket list for a long time (new number one is Ypres). One comment for the tour guide - I live in Yorktown VA, and we have a French cemetery for French soldiers killed during the 1781 battle. Your countrymen fought for us; and we repaid the favor.

[@lee3735]

This was a really good episode. You guys are so professional

[@ThorLord8]

The Meuse-Argonne Cemetery is an amazing place. I was fortunate enough to lay a wreath for all of the soldiers, and place American Flags for the soldiers from the state of Iowa.

[@mateomarijic]

You got an awesome coat. I like the boots too. You got style, man!

[@PencilSticks]

I'm a born and bred Pennsylvania, and have lived in rural environments for most of my life. That said, I can't imagine the conditions that the AEF went through in the Battle of the Argonne Forest. Hot, rugged terrain, and hidden German sniper and machine gunners around every corner. After months of that kind of fighting, I don't think I'd ever be able to set foot in a forest again.

[@5ratar457]

So many Americans have died during that offensive. Gas,Machine Guns,rogue horses,grenade storms,trolling comrades using the lift gate were the main causes of death. We honor your sacrifice.

[@HistoryNerd808]

5Ratar 45 It's the deadliest in my country's history with #2 being the Battle of the Bulge which was under 20,000. It's a shame that it's pretty much unknown to my fellow Americans. Even though WW1 wasn't really an American war(we were only in it for about a year and a half compared to almost 4 in World War 2), it's still the deadliest battle or offensive in American history so you'd think it would be better known than it is.

[@paulrigsby2099]

Michael Hill Growing up my best friend's grandfather was an officer who rode a glider the night before D Day and fought for his life when he was caught in the bulge. Even when I knew him in advanced age he was a huge man, around 6'4" with the most booming, commanding voice I've ever heard. He didn't talk about his experiences to us much, but his bronze and silver stars spoke for themselves.

[@HistoryNerd808]

Paul Rigsby I can imagine. They truly were the greatest generation. I'll never understand how the ones that survived didn't freeze to death(I know a lot of people did) and were still able to fight and hold off the Germans until Patton was able to relieve Bastogne.

[@paulrigsby2099]

Michael Hill yes, those Germans weren't a bunch of stooges. They where desperate by that point in the war, but never smart to poke American soldiers with a stick when their back is against the wall. My friends grandfather did enjoy (almost as much as we did) bring out everal weapons to show us, 3 handguns and an MP-40 which he had brought back as trophies of war. He never came out and told us exactly how he obtained them, but he made it clear to us that the German soldiers didn't just hand them to him...

[@paulrigsby2099]

nicolas esteban orbes zolezzi I'm not disrespecting you, your country or any of it's many brave ventures. I'm just trying to reminisce about a personal hero of mine.

[@theallseeingmaster]

Dear France, thank you for this beautiful place where our sons and daughter rest for eternity.

[@zombiegandhi8405]

It's a little weird--though extremely warming--to know that some stranger on the other side of the world, takes such good care of dead countrymen of mine that I've never known.

[@rogerhwerner6997]

Consider the number of Great War cemeteries in France and Belgium for Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, US. They quite like literally dot he landscape, and each one is tended with loving care. The French don't forget.

[@joacimandreasenberthelsen8967]

it's easy to say "14200 dead and missing" but to see them is a thought provoking experience, thank you indy and team.

[@Mattanja1992]

So beautiful, yet so sad! Thank you Indy and team for your work!

[@deathman11jackd]

This video brought me to tears. Nothing but respect for every single one of these soldiers.

[@ThomasTheLukeEngine]

It is very touching to see people in another country who care so much about our fallen.

[@nellennatea]

WOW. Thank you. I never seen anything like that. SO MANY !! Seeing their headstones like that makes you really feel how many lives were lost because of war. We should never take our freedom for granted. They died so we would not be ruled by an outside force as extreme as the Nazis. We owe everything to them. Thanks for going there and filming this so that we can see it and learn. Thank you.

[@hlynnkeith9334]

Great episode! My thanks to Manon Bart for her care of the markers and her dedication to memory of the men buried there. My thanks also to the people of France for the creation and maintenance of this monument.

[@billfariss1514]

I would like to thank you kind lady for taking care of our soldiers and Marines at this Memorial. Bless you always

[@shawnm3626]

hey indy what's it like being the most fashionable man alive ?

[@shawnm3626]

Indiana Neidell hey indy so glad you saw my comment I cannot express how much your channel means to me the sheer amount of knowledge you give us all truly is amazing keep up all the great work you and the team do much love and respect Oh fashionable one 😊

[@AustinCampbellTheAGamer]

Hey Indy, this is something I wrote a few months ago for school but it sums up WW1 a tiny bit : Both sides plan their battles 100 years in the past. Both sides use weapons 100 years before the plans. One side uses bright blue and red. The other uses dull grey. One fights with the sword. The other with machine guns. The people finally wake up from their dream of heroism, gentleman fights, and honor to find that the world has changed.

[@blueband8114]

I along with my brother and Friend visited the Cemetery two weeks ago, during our trip to Verdun.

[@ericcarlson3746]

This is a very powerful episode Indy. the aerial film really gets to me. Thanks for visiting. I must visit this place

[@jimbenson3926]

"What would we do if we were called to fight for another countries freedom?" A lot of people can answer that, Vietnam, Afghanistan etc.

[@motorcop505]

Exactly. Sadly, so few Americans serve in the military these days that they don’t even think about these countries. When I was in Afghanistan, a steward on the plane made a point of thanking me for traveling halfway around the world to help his country.

[@1972myk]

I just visited this weekend. Breathtaking and deeply moving. Driving through the countryside, over rolling farmland you realize how difficult the terrain was to fight in.

[@rafnagust684]

A brave African-American soldier called Freddie??? Valiant Hearts!

[@Milothatch17]

I was thinking the same thing when she mentionned the two brothers buried side by side.

[@eumoria]

I'm so glad you were able to take the channel to a level where you can do episodes like this. Just amazing thank you!

[@petenelson4396]

The video, the guide, the cemetery, you & your channel, the chapel is best summed up at 15:30!

[@charleslaine]

This was a very touching episode. Thanks for covering this in such detail.

[@copuis]

an very tasteful, thoughtful, and sobering special

[@Rocketrollrebel]

Fantastic episode. In addition to seeing Ypres and the section of the Yser the Belgium army defended, I also visited the Langemark German War Cemetery last summer. 44,000 soldiers in mass graves. It was quite sobering.

[@Miminite]

I took interest in when she was talking about the 2 brothers buried side by side, one of which was in the French army. I have been reading "A Rifleman Went To War" by Herbert W. McBride. He was an American that joined the Canadian army and spent over a yr on the Western front well before the US got into it. Of course, there were Americans flying for the French and British too. I'm curious how many fought for other countries before US entry, and more to the point of this particular video, how many are buried there? I've been to France several times, but not to the WW1 battlefields or cemetery(s). My wife has an ancestor that fought @ Argonne offensive and we've been researching what his unit did; So this area of France is next on the list. Great video as always!

[@phillipg4255]

What she said about "this is dedicated to the memory of those who died for their country" and that they died for hers, to liberate her country, quite literally brought me to tears. the respect for something selfless like this...

[@TheGreatWar]

This is especially true for the volunteers who fought in the French Army.

[@b1laxson]

Good job Indy. Respectfully done. Your black coat seemed to match the concept of mourning. Might not have been intended yet it did well. Clear speaking as always. Thanks for taking a look into this and showing it to us. Im not likely to ever get there myself so I appreciate you both sharing and respecting the place.

[@dougwright6994]

Team Indy, thanks for visiting the cemetery of those fallen American Soldiers loving cared for. Indy seeing all the head stones as you stated does give you a little glimpse of the scale of the dead from The Great War. I have often stop at old cemeteries on the east cost of the United States, looking for the oldest sections in those cemeteries and you almost always find Civil War graves and WWI graves. Again Team Indy thanks for the visit.

[@alexanderjuergens784]

So to add some Background to the Orville C. McKim: He was named after his Great Grandfather Seaton Taylor (Orville's actual name was Orville Seaton McKim. Somewhere between birth and marriage he changed the spelling to a "C" instead of an "S"). Born In Missouri in Agust 1890. He was the son of Daniel and Matilda McKim and one of 8 children. He was married in 1915 to Faye Dawson. Between 1915 and 1917, he and his wife moved to Wyoming where he registered for the draft. He would later enlist in Engineer corps of the U.S. Army. Orville McKim was a Private and a member of the 80th Transportation Corps Company.

[@markellifson4910]

This was a great segment. A place I never thought I would see let alone hear it's story. Well done Indy and crew

[@briangarrow448]

So beautiful and so sad. Let us all hope that another cemetery like this will never need to be built again. RIP, brave young people....

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I felt my eyes get watery a couple of times. I am Canadian of German descent. My mom's family was already in Canada by the turn of the century and so a few of them fought for the CEF. My dad's ancestors were not in Canada until later so they fought in the German army including my great grandfather. It makes me realize that it doesn't matter which side you are on, but war is fascinating, horrible, and depressing. That cemetery was huge and contained so "few" men. It really begins to hit the heart when you see that. As terrible as it is, this video was well done (as always) and with upmost care and respect, and I would like to go there someday. I also wish I could have made the 100 year anniversary of Vimy Ridge (a couple of my mom's ancestors fought there for the CEF).

[@mikked01]

Staggering, I feel, is the best word to describe it. That massive graveyard, and for such small percentage of unbelievable number of casualties.

[@johnwall9577]

Great work! I've seen a couple of your specials you have done during your time in France. The video quality is very, very impressive and I love what is has done!

[@louisdaribert1613]

Is the proof we french have the sens of gratitude about our allies and not the cowards that many foreigners immagine.

[@TheGreatWar]

That coward thing is a bad joke out of control. No one can call the French cowards, especially in WW1.

[@alberich3099]

Well its a "joke" as Indy said. I've served side by side some French in the D-F Brigade and the only differance I noticed was the degree of dicipiline I always felt was higher amongst Germans- but that could have been me beeing german myself.

[@motorcop505]

Louis Daribert My great uncle was killed during WWI in France, and the French government sent his family a large, ornate certificate thanking him for giving his life for France. It was very moving.

[@FrostmourneFK]

The poor soul that views the french as cowards knows not his history. The dead at Verdun are proof of this.

[@georgebarden4818]

Never forget that around 75,000 or so French soldiers held rear guard action at Dunkirk 😉

[@RandyCruz]

I love this channel!! I watch it everytime I'm having a meal.

[@geoffreytudor5674]

I'm surprised at you, Indy. Outside our Civil War, ALL our wars have been fought for someone else's freedom. I know many would argue with that, and we have certainly fought in cynical, seemingly self-serving conflicts, and often we've left a trail of rubble and tears behind, but it's still a fact. That's uniquely American, I think (well, Canada can say the same, just less often). Standing in a field of white crosses, all bearing the names of our fallen, moves me to my core. Thank Manon for the respect and dedication she shows them, will you?

[@univeropa3363]

You fought for freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Vietnam? Not to mention that in WW1 the US came on the side of colonial powers fighting against colonial powers over the question of state sponsored terrorism.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@univeropa3363 Yes, we did. "State sponsored terrorism" -- lol, oh brother.

[@univeropa3363]

@@brocklanders6969 Sure, you fought for freedom in those places.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@univeropa3363 Correct. Glad you agree.

[@univeropa3363]

@@brocklanders6969 Must be wonderful having one's thoughts clouded with nationalistic myths.

[@Stefanie_S.]

Such a powerful video - thank you for taking the time to visit and share. Honored to have been able to travel to France and visit ourselves this past year. My great-grandfather fought with the 32nd in Romagne (and the 79th in Montfaucon days before) during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, but made it home in 1919. I recommend visiting if you can as well as the many other cemeteries.

[@robvoncken2565]

impressive that its still cared for after a hundred years. I know that here in the Netherlands the war graves of the Second world war are still being taken care of by volunteers. And there is a list!! If you want to take care of a grave...get in line... That kind of dedication and historical reverance I find inspiring. Would also make a nice item for your Second World War series

[@willynthepoorboys2]

Very beautiful place,how sad it is to see the number of souls who's lives were cut short. And, as you said at the end, this is but a small fraction of the total who died in a senseless war (all wars are senseless actions brought about by greed, hate and/or ignorance). A very good video Indy ,Flo and all of the crew.

[@datamill]

Really informative! Thanks guys. Nice Puttees Indy! Can we see the photos Manon mentioned from the 1920's when it had 20000 graves please?

[@TheGreatWar]

+Ryan McConnell we didn't find any otherwise we would have included them

[@datamill]

Ahh what a shame. Ever since visiting the Somme, Arras, Messines and Ypres in 1999 I've always tried to find out more about the immediate aftermath of the war, how they tried to clear the battlefield, how much 'searching' for the missing was actually done. Sadly I cannot seem to find any books on the subject, would you be able to recommend any that deal with it from the western front perspective? I've read stories of the French locals being paid a certain amount if they found a body or part of, so they would find a corpse, cut it in two to get two payments.. Cant imagine it was wide spread but maybe thats one for out of the trenches? Anyway, thank you for always replying to my comments- I'm a huge fan of the show. thanks guys

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Check out the 1990 French film La Vie Et Rien D'Autre (Life And Nothing But). It stars Philippe Noiret as a French officer trying to trace dead French soldiers and cure shell-shocked ones in 1920 who in some cases cannot be identified. (There is a slight possibility that they can be united with their families, even though the war has been over for two years.) Relatives, especially their wives or girl friends, are coming to some area of northern France in an attempt to find their soldiers alive or at least identify a body.

[@kevinpaulson2659]

That was very moving. The head stones bring home the real cost of the war. Thank you all for an outstanding channel that continues to get better.

[@andyreznick]

This was very educational! A profound thank you Mademoiselle Bart for your time, knowledge and obvious respect for the fallen. I am a retired NCO and France's remembrance moves me deeply, as does the work of the Commission. Honestly, I don't want to be argumentative here, but it is such an embarrassing shame our own president couldn't be bothered to visit a place like this "due to rain", but could gas protesters out of his way to wave a bible. If you're uncomfortable with that, maybe you should be. The place for the bible was here.

[@1776rifleman]

Love the work you all do showing the history of the Great War. This video was very informative and it certainly puts the loss of human life both military and civilian into perspective. I had an Uncle who fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, ironically his father had fled Germany in the 1970s to escape conscription. By the grace of God he made it home but it is difficult to imagine what he and other Doughboys felt witnessing such destruction, and contending with losing friends and comrades. Once again keep up the good work!

[@danielknowles3051]

Imagine surviving the war, only to die of the flu after.

[@criscabrera9098]

Worst century ever

[@tombats6428]

Every 22 hour a veteran commits suicide, long after he came back to the US

[@dutchlancer2562]

Thanks team Great war for making this amazing documentary... It truely shows the immense scale of this conflict even after the war😟

[@HarryP457]

Some years ago my wife and I visited the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand. Many of those buried here died in the building of the death railroad and the bridge over the River Kwai. It was a very sobering experience. I handled most of it ok but on finding the row upon row of unknown soldiers I lost it. The thought that these men had given their all and but had no names, no way for family to find their last resting place was, well my heart broke.

[@joeblow411]

They buried him among the kings because he Had done good toward God and toward His house You can walk upon the grave of king or president, they are dime a dozen. But you cant walk upon the grave of the Unknown Soldier

[@HarryP457]

Damn it, I'm crying again...

[@joeblow411]

www.appleseeds.org/sentinel-creed.htm

[@tpaktop2_1na]

The photography is astounding and shows a wonderful final resting place for the WWI soldiers. What an excellent film to educate the public. It truly shows the massive effect of war by all those headstones for visitors. May their names not be forgotten

[@cebenify]

In Flanders fields the poppies blow.