Growing Up In Nazi-Occupied Belgium | Memoirs Of WWII #9

Nelly “Michette” Thirifays-Hiett was five years old when her homeland of Belgium was invaded by the German Army. Here you’ll hear her perspective on living under enemy occupation and what freedom means to her.
Memoirs of WWII Website: bit.ly/2w60kGM
Patreon: bit.ly/2HIebIN
Instagram: bit.ly/2FBGBhv
Facebook: bit.ly/2w5Lhgf
Twitter: bit.ly/2jlcp1A
Written and Directed by Joshua Scott
Filmed and Edited by Christian McLean and Joshua Scott
Archive Footage Source:
www.archives.gov/
Archive Photograph Sources:
Nationaal Archief
J. Gumkowski, A. Rutkowski, Treblinka, Council for Protection of Fight and Martyrdom Monuments
Non-Original Musical Score Source:
artlist.io/

Пікірлер: 625

  • @bonzaicatattack
    @bonzaicatattack5 жыл бұрын

    what this channel is doing is incredibly important

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    josh barnes thank you!

  • @Dysentery_

    @Dysentery_

    4 жыл бұрын

    Couldn't agree more

  • @Ruby321123

    @Ruby321123

    4 жыл бұрын

    Amen.

  • @email4664

    @email4664

    3 жыл бұрын

    A very potent piece of history indeed. This lady is a really lovely person, and her pride is very well deserved. I have greatly enjoyed the four of your series that I have seen, but this one is close to my heart. If you have a moment, look into Tanks in Town in Mons Belgium. It is a gathering of military vehicles that re-trace the route that the 3rd armored under Patton took when they entered Belgium to liberate from German occupation. These folks hosted myself and my Brother, and treated us to a very personal three weeks, while we visited in 2007. The Belgians really appreciate the US forces for helping them through a dark time. Their appreciation lasts still through the younger generations. Quite a beautiful thing to experience.

  • @emily.7668

    @emily.7668

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@MemoirsofWWII thank you for giving these vets the opportunity to tell their story.

  • @andrewfischer8564
    @andrewfischer85645 жыл бұрын

    im crying after each and every episode. and im a grown ass man.

  • @QualityModelRailroad

    @QualityModelRailroad

    4 жыл бұрын

    yep me too

  • @ciscorock

    @ciscorock

    4 жыл бұрын

    Me too, me too..

  • @AvecPoesie

    @AvecPoesie

    4 жыл бұрын

    No shame in tears. Grown ass men have feelings too.

  • @yaboilongschlong

    @yaboilongschlong

    4 жыл бұрын

    I just have allergies

  • @Foxforce_6

    @Foxforce_6

    4 жыл бұрын

    Me too brother

  • @andynixon2820
    @andynixon28205 жыл бұрын

    Years back I stayed in a french guest house run by an old lady originally from Brussels. I commented on her good English , she looked me straight in the eye and said she'd secretly learnt it during the occupation as she new the British would rescue them one day. She wanted to say thank you in their own language and even today the Dutch , belgians and danes hold the allies in high regard for this reason .

  • @SuperExodian

    @SuperExodian

    3 жыл бұрын

    my grandparents were flemish resistance, they were involved in stuff like smuggling and sabotage. i'm sad that i never really got to know them (3/4 of them died by the time i was 10, both grandfathers before i even was born, the final grandmother lived another 10 years but she was fairly senile by then. )

  • @jordanbauerly8843
    @jordanbauerly88433 жыл бұрын

    I cant imagine just how wholesome it was for those GIs to see this little girl trying so hard to help them.

  • @nikomeyers2192
    @nikomeyers21924 жыл бұрын

    I just found a letter from my father to my mother from Belgium in 1945. Incredible.

  • @douniadubreucq1011

    @douniadubreucq1011

    4 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing

  • @keltondownen3645
    @keltondownen36455 жыл бұрын

    "As young as we were, we knew they were the enemy". Thats awful, that a child can understand that sad reality.

  • @bluedog843
    @bluedog8435 жыл бұрын

    Honestly, this episode might be one of the saddest things I’ve ever seen. She has the pictures of the men who liberated her, the letters in her notebook and the stories. Then to hear that some of them died in the upcoming battles... this was a sad one but a happy one.

  • @wannabeseal2671
    @wannabeseal26715 жыл бұрын

    "Nobody was fat in those days, I tell you.) Lol.

  • @MrJames-qu4kz

    @MrJames-qu4kz

    5 жыл бұрын

    "he broke the bed"

  • @JNVTN

    @JNVTN

    4 жыл бұрын

    America left the chat

  • @kmoss9521

    @kmoss9521

    4 жыл бұрын

    WannaBe SEAL my grandma was 6 when this happened and she says the exact same thing. Lol

  • @nikosz66

    @nikosz66

    4 жыл бұрын

    Its not laughable at all. Greece for example lost 300.000 people out of starvation , in the winter 1941 -1942. Many children were between the dead . Not funny, sad , yes.

  • @cavemanlovesmoke4394

    @cavemanlovesmoke4394

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@nikosz66 she didnt mean it like that. It was the "spunk" of the gentle lady...

  • @jillianrose1346
    @jillianrose13465 жыл бұрын

    What you guys are doing, telling their stories, is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much, it’s really opened my eyes and my heart. I cry at every video you guys put out and it just makes me so grateful for the people who fought and died for our freedom. ❤️

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    jillian rose thank you for watching!

  • @ohmy9479

    @ohmy9479

    4 жыл бұрын

    Spot on...🇺🇸❤️🙌🏻

  • @jayg9732

    @jayg9732

    4 жыл бұрын

    Amen

  • @me1965
    @me19653 жыл бұрын

    Thank you to the most gracious lady in Belgium for sharing your story and your kindness with our soldiers!

  • @sokay2laugh512
    @sokay2laugh5124 жыл бұрын

    I was just in Belgium and it, and it’s people, are just lovely as can be. Our time there was too short, but we’ve so much to see. We’ve been through France, Belgium and Luxembourg so far on a Beyond Band of Brothers tour and it has been a life changing experience. Don’t let the fear of not speaking French stop you from making a trip like this. You will be treated with great kindness and patience. Use the google translator in the rare times there aren’t English speaking people in shops or restaurants. Make the trip if your are from the USA. The people here are truly beautiful and thankful that the USA exists.

  • @MagnaVictus

    @MagnaVictus

    3 жыл бұрын

    We will always threat our liberators with the deepest kind of respect. If you're every returning to Bastogne, be sure to hit me up! :)

  • @SuperExodian

    @SuperExodian

    3 жыл бұрын

    i'd like to add that, in belgium, not speaking english isn't a problem in the slightest, in flanders about 80% of the population speaks english and i think about 60% of wallonia speaks english too.

  • @Andyb2379
    @Andyb23794 жыл бұрын

    I’ve shown my daughters this interview. I think it’s important they understand what happened, how it happened & how they must show kindness to everyone they meet in life. Their own Grandfather helped in liberation of Belgium & I think now they understand their past. Thank you

  • @gillesmeura3416
    @gillesmeura34164 жыл бұрын

    I'm from Belgium. My parents were 13 when our country was invaded. They evacuated to France in May 1940, and came back a few months after. They grew up under German occupation. My mother and grandmother were particularly afraid, because my grandfather had left for England to join the Belgian army there. In early September 1944 they were liberated. And my grandfather returned. My father joined the Belgian army on his 18th birthday, the 30th of April 1945... In spite of V-E day he was sent to Northern Ireland for training (he became an ATk gunner - 6 pounder). They were training to go to the Pacific, but then war ended before he completed training. My father passed away 12 years ago, but my mother is still alive, and shares her wartime memories with me.

  • @Killerwale-hk4wy

    @Killerwale-hk4wy

    2 жыл бұрын

    My Great grandfather was a Belgian doctor that left the hospital and started his own clinic where he spoke Dutch (the hospital was French which was spoken by the richer people). Anyway when the Germans took Belgium a group of Germans wanted some scans from the hospital. They send the Germans to my great grandfather because he had better equipment. After the war he got accused of coöperating with the Germans and had to spend some years in prison. The wheirdest thing about this is that I really like that hospital and was even born there.

  • @user-82719a

    @user-82719a

    8 ай бұрын

    I am sorry for your loss and Thank you for His service, May He Rest In Peace.

  • @abelponcedeleon
    @abelponcedeleon4 жыл бұрын

    My grandfather is a WWII Veteran. For 3weeks my grandfather was in the hospital due to complications with his gallbladder. And these videos always kept reminding me of what he has done during WWII. This past Monday we finally brought him home. And I’m glad I’m able to get more stories from him before his time comes. I’m am grateful to be in his presence and to have him for 28 years of my life. And I feel like it’s my job to pass on his legacy to my daughter, nephew’s, and nieces so they can know the great man there great grandfather is, and the sacrifices he made.

  • @gabrielrenteria8256
    @gabrielrenteria82565 жыл бұрын

    There was a perfect veteran for this channel, he was a pilot in the air cav in WWII, heavily decorated..Raymond Vasquez ofRancho Cucamonga out of 5 friends he was the only to come home..hes passed on now but i know he would have gave a hell of a story.

  • @BASTIONsteam
    @BASTIONsteam5 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely beautiful work. I cannot express enough how much these videos have meant to me. 38 year old man with tears in his eyes at the computer. My Grandfather was a Bristol Beaufighter pilot during ww2 and never spoke about his experiences as they were too traumatic for him to recall. My father told me last week that his memoirs are to be published soon in an aviator magazine. Couldn't be more proud. Keep up the fantastic work my friend.Paul

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    Paul Graham we would love to see it once it’s published!

  • @BASTIONsteam

    @BASTIONsteam

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@MemoirsofWWII many thanks, ill keep you posted!

  • @matro2

    @matro2

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@BASTIONsteam You didn't.

  • @alanfuad__
    @alanfuad__5 жыл бұрын

    1:07 that woman waving to her children then proceed to cry is very touching and sad. Hopefully they got reunited...

  • @MrFotow
    @MrFotow5 жыл бұрын

    I wish I'd seen this channel before, my father survived the hunger winter in Holland and I'm sure he would have been more than happy to tell his story on this channel as he told it to me and my sister, sadly he passed away a year ago but I still cherish those stories as a reminder of how bad it was and how he survived because of the brave airmen that did the fooddrops over The Netherlands during the war. Every year I pay my respects to those fallen in the line of duty to liberate Europe, I'll never forget what they did for my family so my father could live to reach the respectable age of 81.

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    Olof Wessels everyday we lose so many opportunities to preserve and archive stories like your fathers. Thank you for sharing a bit of his story and for watching.

  • @thelonewolf9598
    @thelonewolf95985 жыл бұрын

    I am from Belgium. Thank you so much for making these video's. To all the people saying my generation (born 1995) does not know and respect what those soldiers have been trough. You are wrong.

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thelonewolf95 thank you for watching!!

  • @sokay2laugh512

    @sokay2laugh512

    4 жыл бұрын

    I just left Belgium yesterday on a Beyond Band of Brothers tour and the people were so kind and gracious to us every where we went. A truly beautiful place to spend time. I hope to bring my children back one day soon so they can see that Europe doesn’t hate the USA like they’re being taught in school. I found the same kindness in France and Luxembourg as well.

  • @locklear7937

    @locklear7937

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@sokay2laugh512 We Europeans like the American people, we just dislike your government and the man currently leading it. But then, we have some real idiots leading our European countries as well so it is what it is.

  • @pablotown77

    @pablotown77

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@locklear7937 we also disliked that pos, so we got rid off him 👍😜

  • @jerryw6699
    @jerryw66994 жыл бұрын

    This is one of my favorites, she's so real. Every single American should watch these, people take so much for granted these days. Those men fought so the whole world could sleep at night.

  • @Andyb2379
    @Andyb23795 жыл бұрын

    I’m 36 years old, I’ve two daughters. I’ve tears running down my face watching this. I can only but imagine thank goodness what they must gone through. Unimaginable worry, fear, 5 years old. So much innocence. God bless.

  • @HerrMikael

    @HerrMikael

    5 жыл бұрын

    I'm 36 as well with two sons. I can imagine being one of the American guys with a family behind the Atlantic. It must have been very hard. To meet a little angel like Nelly must have felt therapeutic

  • @stardustcomet7527
    @stardustcomet75275 жыл бұрын

    This chanel needs more attention

  • @landisratliff9565
    @landisratliff95655 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the few channels that I constantly check for uploads. These videos are so moving and fantastically emotional. Keep up the amazing work!

  • @RUDEMASTER

    @RUDEMASTER

    5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome videos keep up the good work

  • @joshuawfinn
    @joshuawfinn5 жыл бұрын

    Yet another awesome installment in an awesome series. Thank you so much Josh!

  • @1asdfasdfasdf
    @1asdfasdfasdf5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I'm afraid that there's a new generation that doesn't have clue what was given for their freedoms.

  • @sublimeguy

    @sublimeguy

    5 жыл бұрын

    And you would be exactly right and it saddens my heart because they don't know and most don't care they live with a very selfish mindset not all but a huge majority so it's up to us to install that in the young ones so maybe they will pass it on

  • @gracelessnesss

    @gracelessnesss

    5 жыл бұрын

    I'm 19. I've binge watched all of these videos. I met with a world war 2 vet once who gifted me the nazi emblem he tore off of a german soldier. if the younger generation isnt aware, it is only the older generations who are at fault for not instilling that knowledge within them. there will always be a generation hating on young people.... the young people that they created.

  • @1asdfasdfasdf

    @1asdfasdfasdf

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@gracelessnesss Unfortunately I'm afraid that you're correct with your last sentence (after the ellipsis). When I see on the street interviews where today's generation can't identify any of the people in power by their photo but recognize every celebrity it truly scares me. You're obviously aware. Let's hope that there are many more like you out there.

  • @matttomlin1024

    @matttomlin1024

    5 жыл бұрын

    19yrs old hard working Republican bodybuilder with dreams of being a full time electrician people care. The older generations overlook us but many of us out there really appreciate and look up to the heros of our past times. God bless

  • @bajamike3803

    @bajamike3803

    5 жыл бұрын

    These new kids protest to have freedoms taken away

  • @Maaarrina
    @Maaarrina4 жыл бұрын

    Strangely enough, Its often in the hardest of time you find the sincerest and rarest of human kindness. Beautiful stories.

  • @stevel6939

    @stevel6939

    2 жыл бұрын

    When things are at their worst humanity is at its best.

  • @paulweston3677
    @paulweston36775 жыл бұрын

    This is still America. It's that spirit that steps up to face challenges, at home and abroad. What an excellent video

  • @smith14111
    @smith141114 жыл бұрын

    Just about every single one of these videos bring tears to my eyes, but this one got to me especially hard. When she talked about asking her mom and then seeing the picture of her with the G.I. at the end.😭

  • @OnTheFritz602
    @OnTheFritz6025 жыл бұрын

    Wow, wonderful story. Nelly had love and gratitude in her young heart, and so did her Family.

  • @appetitefordestruction3511
    @appetitefordestruction35115 жыл бұрын

    A nother great story! And as a Europian this kind of story's always brings tears to my eyes knowing i am in my early 30's and those brave young man in there 20's or not even 20 never made it to there 30's. For my grandparents freedom. Nothing but respect.

  • @sublimeguy

    @sublimeguy

    5 жыл бұрын

    Some of the the allies actually falsified there birth dates to go actually the youngest man to die during the D.day invasion was either 14or15yrs old I think he was a medic and some committed suicide because they were not eligible to serve it was a very selfless generation during those times unlike the days we live in now it's extremely uncommon to find a young person now who can even tell u who Hitler was. And most likely if they can that's all they know. We live in the me me me generation .

  • @appetitefordestruction3511

    @appetitefordestruction3511

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@sublimeguy So true, a amazing generation. I think even the best generation young man the world even knew or ever wil know. Again nothing but respect. To al those brave young man, thank you for youre service. It wil NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

  • @sublimeguy

    @sublimeguy

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@appetitefordestruction3511 Ya know I often wonder and think what life is about I mean what it is really all for I am religious and I believe what I have been told but I often pray that if there is a possibility of of reincarnation I would rather go bk in time to be apart of somthing bigger in a generation that believes in due process and selflessness to be part of that even if only for a few yrs. Ya know I can remember my uncle's telling me about the war just sitting there playing with my army men or my cowboy toys but it's memories I will charish till I die such an amazing group of people.

  • @appetitefordestruction3511

    @appetitefordestruction3511

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@sublimeguy I totaly understand what youre saying. You know because of serie s like Band of brothers and the pacific, some times i think wow i wisch i was part of that amazing generation. Als when my grandma told story's about the war she med my grandpa ( i never knew him he died long before i was born) during the war, they where both resistent fighters in the Netherlands. And when she told story's about the dangerous things the heve bin thru it always made me proud.

  • @sublimeguy

    @sublimeguy

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@appetitefordestruction3511 if you haven't already seen it you should watch the movie defiance with Daniel Craig it's based on Jewish resistance Fighters during World War II it is absolutely amazing

  • @ctaney2254
    @ctaney22545 жыл бұрын

    What a great story, makes me proud to be an American. Love the end, you can tell how much those guys meant to her and all the people of Belgium. Definitely want to visit the country and go to that cemetery.

  • @limjahey3119
    @limjahey31195 жыл бұрын

    This story brought tears to my eyes. In the face of evil and tragedy I think it’s a beautiful thing when complete strangers come together and share their own sense of friendship and family with one another. Keep sharing the stories the world needs to know The value of a kind and caring heart

  • @eddierodriguez5266
    @eddierodriguez52665 жыл бұрын

    Brought tears to my eyes. God bless you for Chronicling this wonderful story.

  • @sab5686
    @sab56863 жыл бұрын

    i'm only 16 and i know how my generation is forgetting the truth. i will continue to speak these survivors words and make sure that it is never forgotten

  • @Hartleymolly
    @Hartleymolly9 ай бұрын

    I cry every time I watch these amazing videos. I hate I didn’t know more about my grandfathers war struggles. The things I complain about are so embarrassing compared to these survivors. I am so lucky and blessed, we all are.

  • @mrijk1946
    @mrijk19465 жыл бұрын

    Sir, as a 15 year old collector of ww2 artifacts. I must thankyou for the incredible job you are doing. Every video and every story you share with me i get chills down my spine and tears in my eyes. The past needs to be remembered, not forgotten

  • @jimbobmcdougal6983
    @jimbobmcdougal69835 жыл бұрын

    The fact that she can still pull out positive memories from such dark times is comforting to me

  • @Cobb83SnipeZ
    @Cobb83SnipeZ5 жыл бұрын

    They dont teach WWII history any more in most schools in the U.K. and I think this is a travosty and MAJOR discrace and dishonour to the veterans that survivrd and who gave the ULTIMATE sacrifice......

  • @dotheyfloat9961

    @dotheyfloat9961

    5 жыл бұрын

    What, really? When did they stop teaching it? I did my GCSE's in 1999-2000 and at that time History was 90% WWII and WWII

  • @archieewing4973

    @archieewing4973

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@dotheyfloat9961 I did my GCSE's 3 years ago and they still taught :p I think it is still very much taught in the UK

  • @bradphilipswain3374

    @bradphilipswain3374

    4 жыл бұрын

    I left school about 6 years ago and they only touched on it, was more important talking about victorians and shit which wasn't fascinating at all, hence why I'm here :)

  • @tedgregersenvalasko2375

    @tedgregersenvalasko2375

    3 жыл бұрын

    Do they teach about the British Empire and all its astrocities? It was the worst...

  • @locklear7937

    @locklear7937

    3 жыл бұрын

    This comment is emphatically wrong. They do still teach it - it is one of the most important history subjects to be taught. I recently took a home-study course of IGCSE history and the main topics covered were WWI and WWII. The belief that they are not taught because it's 'wrong to be patriotic' or whatever is right-wing vitriol. It's a massively important part of the curriculum.

  • @JoleneDaviesITKWJ
    @JoleneDaviesITKWJ3 жыл бұрын

    My grandma (Oma) & Opa a survived German occupied Holland. My Oma turns 92 soon. She's still alive. There is an interview with them both before my Opa passed from years ago regarding their experience. It's pretty extraordinary. They never liked talking about it, but eventually a few stories here and there. She has 10 children, 35+ grandchildren , and many great grandchildren. She's amazing.

  • @luizaeduarda5274
    @luizaeduarda52743 жыл бұрын

    I am brazilian girl and i love hear about this kind of historys. Thank you for your work, is so important for all of us meet them and realized the important they are, really thank you !!

  • @hekkeh5427
    @hekkeh54274 жыл бұрын

    i had to hold my tears at the end of the video.....We will never forget what they did for our country, biggest respect from us for there service and sacrifices. A 39 year old Belgian living in freedom cause of them thx

  • @keithandrade1087
    @keithandrade10874 жыл бұрын

    That comfort when her parents showed up at the door is just one of the most beautiful feelings.

  • @andy12328
    @andy123285 жыл бұрын

    I live in Florence oregon one of the highest population of elders in the state and I have always loved what you are trying to do, if you are interested I can go ask around for survivors of wwii and see if they are willing to share their story. They will all be gone before we know it and I'm proud other people like me want to keep them alive, even if it means through story. If you can email me I'd love to hear your ideas on the subject

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    Andrew Kellerman we are always looking for stories and are hoping to travel this year to gather them from all over. Please contact us via our contact page on our website. (www.memoirsofwwii.com)

  • @MrCaptainSnax

    @MrCaptainSnax

    5 жыл бұрын

    PLEASE DO IT!!! Older people love telling these stories, and for you to track them down specifically for their stories would be so enriching for them!!

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    4 жыл бұрын

    Andrew Kellerman thank you so much for offering to do that! We have amazing Patreon’s that donate each month to support our travels, so yes if you find WWII vets in your area we would make a trip to capture their stories. As you find them you can fill out the veteran form on our website and we will log it on our end. Thank you for your help in preserving these stories! Www.memoirsofwwii.com

  • @clintondavid525
    @clintondavid5254 жыл бұрын

    This one had me crying all the way through it. Incredible humans are everywhere

  • @kainable8769
    @kainable87694 жыл бұрын

    The beauty of this, is, vets can talk about it. Giving children chocolate. These pictures of this event, is so simple... that it brings tears to my eyes. My grandfather was not so keen on talking about it... I later found out why, the family that took HIM in, were later killed for their aide to him, he never forgave himself. My grandfather(my fathers step father) was quite abusive when he came home from war. But he was a God fearing man, and that part of him stayed until he died about 10 years ago. I loved him. He taught me how to tie my shoes, how to open a door for a lady. I love and miss him, from the bottom of my heart thank you for these stories.

  • @anvi.a8976
    @anvi.a89763 жыл бұрын

    Not going to lie,I cried in this episode.This episode was the most heart touching of them all!

  • @aironiversen9214
    @aironiversen92145 жыл бұрын

    I love these videos and they never cease to make me cry!! Today's kids have NO IDEA what these people and our soldiers went through.. so sad.

  • @oliviaalvarado5793
    @oliviaalvarado57934 жыл бұрын

    My father served in the army during WWII. He lost two fingers from shrapnel. He talked about the sounds of the whistling bombs that flew overhead.

  • @PUAlum
    @PUAlum4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting this truly heartwarming video. I hope this channel does much to reawaken friendship between Belgians and Americans...and all our friends in Europe. So much was sacrificed by so many...we can't let the friendships fade.

  • @AvecPoesie
    @AvecPoesie4 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the more moving stories, truly. Their hospitality of those heroes was remarkable. On a side note, I wish people still wrote handwritten letters. They are just so beautiful and profound mementos.

  • @rogerscott8211
    @rogerscott82115 жыл бұрын

    my great grandpa was in the 5th armored in WW2 in france to germany, his dad"s home country

  • @QualityModelRailroad

    @QualityModelRailroad

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hats off to your great gramps! Yes lots of German Americans had to go and fight in the Old Country.

  • @vaerenbergh
    @vaerenbergh4 жыл бұрын

    My grandmother saw the war in her teenage years in Belgium, she told me 2 airbattle stories when i was young, one for the trainstation of Denderleeuw and one where B17's where going on a raid in Germany, flew over and one got shot down and flew right over their mineworkers hous, there where some more stories but i can't recall them all

  • @benisaten
    @benisaten2 жыл бұрын

    This is absolutely amazing. My eyes are heavy. Respects from 🇨🇦 forever.

  • @vaughnmojado8637
    @vaughnmojado86375 ай бұрын

    Awe. She is such a lovely lady. I can see her as a little girl bringing all the GI’s home like I did with dogs. It makes me very happy to have seen and listened to her story. Much love from my fiancé, my family of dogs and Me.

  • @andyZ3500s
    @andyZ3500s5 жыл бұрын

    This one really got me. What a wonderful lady, to bad she and her family went through that.

  • @thomasallen3818
    @thomasallen38184 жыл бұрын

    I don’t usually get choked up, but this interview did it. The beautifully written letters from the G.I.’s really did it to me. It really was a different time. I don’t think you would see anything like that nowadays.

  • @curtgomes
    @curtgomes2 жыл бұрын

    In 2004 I visited the Henry Chapelle cemetery. It is a mot beautiful place. The head care taker of the cemetery told me the average age of the American GI buried there is 19 years old. Rows and rows of thousands of graves beautifully kept by the Belgium people. It's truly a heart rendering experience. I was traveling with two WWII vets who had friends there. They remembered their buddies like it was yesterday. Some incredible memories..........

  • @btrdangerdan2010
    @btrdangerdan20105 жыл бұрын

    Wow that’s so good I wanna cry! God bless the sweet little lady.

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sun and D-970 thank you for watching!

  • @andytaylor1588
    @andytaylor15885 жыл бұрын

    That was very touching. I have many past relatives who served in WWII and most of them died in battle.

  • @chitaessi
    @chitaessi2 жыл бұрын

    the notebook with the soldiers' notes is a treasure & a priceless remembrance. thank you for sharing this wonderful story

  • @slocad11
    @slocad114 жыл бұрын

    Josh, You have crafted another excellent documentary here. The audio, background music and footage as well as the editing. Professional, heart-warming and authentic. I spent the last two days visiting Bastogne, and am in Luxembourg now. There, memorials abound as to the courageous exploits achieved by the GI`s who liberated this area. The city of Bastogne commemorates the 75th anniversary of Battle of the Bulge this year. I can highly recommend to any of your viewers two Bastogne hotels in particular for their warm staff, professionalism as hosts and perfect rooms and facilities: Hotel Melba and Hotel Leo Station, both downtown on or very near General McAuliffe Square. I have nothing to do with the businesses, but wish merely to help any viewers who visit Bastogne to have the best possible stay.

  • @zoxart1203
    @zoxart12033 жыл бұрын

    I am 15 and many peoples of my generation don't really know what those heroes did. It is sadly to see, but everytime i am talking about the war i share this page with them and i hope they will learn something more about these heroes. Thanks for making these videos.

  • @jimz68
    @jimz685 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful lady. Brings tears to my eyes. Thank You for sharing this episode.

  • @chrisbloom3005
    @chrisbloom30052 жыл бұрын

    I was lucky enough to live and work in Belgium for 2 years. The Belgians at the plant where I worked told me that I had to visit Henri Chapelle American Military Cemetery. When you drive up it reminds me of a miniature Lincoln Memorial and it is not until you are on the step of the memorial that you see the 9000 crosses. I remember audibly gasping when I saw it. I travel to that part of Europe quite often and get back to Henri Chapelle whenever I can. Absolutely one of the most beautiful and impactful places on earth.

  • @TheStandardBearer
    @TheStandardBearer3 жыл бұрын

    My wife and I admire and love these stories.

  • @billyc9707
    @billyc97073 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for making this video series. These stories should always be told and never go quiet

  • @Bootinyourbutt19199
    @Bootinyourbutt191995 жыл бұрын

    I wish I could’ve got my Papa to see these before his passing. He was from the Netherlands as a teenager in the beginning of WW2, the Germans forced his family into the army and those who did not join were put to concentration camps. His stories were horrific of how he lived and survived. To this day he is my biggest hero for fighting. Rest In Peace Joaquim Jantzen 1938 - 2015. Thank you for sharing these Josh.

  • @MemoirsofWWII

    @MemoirsofWWII

    5 жыл бұрын

    Mercury stories like your grandfathers need to be told, thank you for sharing a bit of his story and for watching.

  • @e.w.132
    @e.w.1324 жыл бұрын

    What excellent work you guys are doing Memoirs of WWII. Such pure and beautiful human emotion you show in these videos.

  • @Maddogcommentor
    @Maddogcommentor4 жыл бұрын

    That was probably my favorite of your videos yet. Shows the heart behind the men that went overseas to fight evil.

  • @joeschneider732
    @joeschneider7325 жыл бұрын

    Amazing story of a young lady! God Bless!

  • @Llliiss_aa
    @Llliiss_aa4 жыл бұрын

    I seriously couldn’t handle it so I had to cry such an emotional story

  • @traylee8837
    @traylee88374 жыл бұрын

    Damn this was so amazing and well put together , Absolutely beautiful!

  • @giantclaw138
    @giantclaw1383 жыл бұрын

    Just found this channel and I'm going through the whole playlist. Why did I not know about this channel before?

  • @Paulrere
    @Paulrere5 жыл бұрын

    This is easily TV worthy, so so good

  • @juliehasler4345
    @juliehasler43454 жыл бұрын

    What kind of cruel people disliked this video.Thank you Josh for all that your doing to keep these stories alive and everlasting.

  • @alexenns3203
    @alexenns32035 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for putting this together Josh. I also thank all veterans that serviced and are serving

  • @Ringele5574
    @Ringele55743 жыл бұрын

    I love the stories like this. How war fighters connect with those they are trying to save, and both are so grateful for meeting the other.

  • @friedgaming8258
    @friedgaming82585 жыл бұрын

    They truly are the greatest generation

  • @npc77107

    @npc77107

    4 жыл бұрын

    No doubt!

  • @CarlJohnson-sq6gx
    @CarlJohnson-sq6gx5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for ur dedication and hard work of finding these ppl. Great video none are boring

  • @observationpostcharlie1365
    @observationpostcharlie13655 жыл бұрын

    My dad was with the big red 1 he didnt talk much about the war but would talk about. Him giveing candy to the kids. My uncles said the same thing an how the liberated people were soo greatful

  • @tinman8518

    @tinman8518

    3 жыл бұрын

    Here's a great article showing that they are still very grateful for the Allies help in their liberation. This is still happening in other European countries as well........ www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/netherlands-american-cemetery-adopt-graves/?rebelltitem=3

  • @JScottCee
    @JScottCee3 жыл бұрын

    Wow. What an especially moving episode. Seeing the handwriting of the soldiers really got me. Reminds me of my own WW2 grandparents and how they were, spoke, and wrote. Very moving. Thank you for all your work 🇺🇸

  • @LethalSx
    @LethalSx5 жыл бұрын

    That was just beautiful ... thanks for sharing. It really gets normal to me to cry in every video you put online. These stories are all so touching... insane Job again, keep doing it please. Love from germany and love to the lovliest woman in belgium ;)

  • @jasonpatrick351
    @jasonpatrick3514 жыл бұрын

    This is very important work great job. We will always owe a debt of gratitude to that generation. They went through something I hope we never have to go through again.

  • @legolilpump2356
    @legolilpump23565 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the upload

  • @jaimeribeiro4322
    @jaimeribeiro43225 жыл бұрын

    I love this show and what it's doing for both these survivors of the War and also for young people of today, I do think it would be cool to have German, Italian and Japanese veterans/survivors sharing their stories like this too. It would be important, I'd say.

  • @matteo4096

    @matteo4096

    4 жыл бұрын

    If you are interested I suggest to search : "the italian bravery" or "Italian army in russia" on you tube

  • @Warhawk_
    @Warhawk_4 жыл бұрын

    I live in holland and i cannot express how much gratitude we still have for the liberating forces and sacrifices they made. You are all heroes,living or dead.

  • @tinman8518

    @tinman8518

    3 жыл бұрын

    I read this article recently and see how much you still appreciate the help in your liberation. Hello from Michigan, USA. My Grandparents came from Oostwold, Groningen. www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/netherlands-american-cemetery-adopt-graves/?rebelltitem=3

  • @Warhawk_

    @Warhawk_

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@tinman8518 Yes,we still do.. I regularly drive by Margraten cemetary and it's been kept clean and maintained wonderfully .. Even President Bush visited the cemetary which was a huge honor.

  • @tinman8518

    @tinman8518

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Warhawk_ Great to hear! Thanks for your reply!!

  • @liamjohnston5578
    @liamjohnston55783 жыл бұрын

    Dammit I cry almost every episode but this one hit me right in the feels. Thanks you!

  • @richiecuzzz1
    @richiecuzzz14 жыл бұрын

    This channel is so amazing. It really makes me proud to have a grandfather who fought on the western front. I absolutely love these videos and how you guys are showing what these brave men did to ensure our freedom. The newer generation needs to take note of history and what was sacrificed for the world we have today. Thank you guys so much for making these incredible videos!

  • @blcdad
    @blcdad5 жыл бұрын

    How could there be 4 idiots that exist who would thumbs down this???

  • @robertdaniel6044

    @robertdaniel6044

    4 жыл бұрын

    Incredibly, there are still neo-nazis in this world. Lots.

  • @brushwolf

    @brushwolf

    3 жыл бұрын

    members of antifa

  • @jsjs9236
    @jsjs92364 жыл бұрын

    thank you so much for these videos!

  • @TheJoeshExperience
    @TheJoeshExperience5 жыл бұрын

    Your channel deserves so many more subs. These stories, and your work are incredible. Thank you.

  • @Dingle_Nugget
    @Dingle_Nugget4 жыл бұрын

    It’s good a channel like this exist so we still have some memory of these hero’s in many years from now. Thank you for making this channel!

  • @TheCptncrunchify
    @TheCptncrunchify5 жыл бұрын

    That was a really great video! It's nice to see the war through this lens

  • @johnjaeger4804
    @johnjaeger48045 жыл бұрын

    Great videos. great work. Thank you.

  • @tysoncott7402
    @tysoncott74025 жыл бұрын

    Excellent interview

  • @cristyp.516
    @cristyp.5164 жыл бұрын

    AMAZING channel !

  • @ericbadia5
    @ericbadia54 жыл бұрын

    Very very good video mate! You did it so well. Good job

  • @nyboy76
    @nyboy765 жыл бұрын

    A side to WWII that we don't often see...what a great story. Thank you Ma'am for what you and your family did for our boys over there. God bless you.

  • @lllColbylll
    @lllColbylll5 жыл бұрын

    Josh, great job again! Hearing her story and perspective was interesting and admirable. Wow.... 😎

  • @Tessietots
    @Tessietots2 жыл бұрын

    So very touching. I love your channel