Detonating artillery shells falling on Dunkirk echoed in the distance. It was late May, 1940, my father was only eleven years old. He was in a small restaurant with my grandfather, the two of them perplexed by the French soldier sitting next to them having a feast. The soldier's meal was lavish, far in excess of what virtually all Europeans were used to in those days of rationing. My grandfather struck up conversation with the soldier. "Excuse me, but you are using up all your ration coupons on this one meal. What will you eat later if you spend them all like this?" The soldier smiled forlornly and explained, "Tomorrow the Germans will attack." He would have no further use for his coupons. He had no intention of retreat. This was his last supper. For that soldier who died protecting my father and all the rest of us. For all the others I could never begin to name or even know of. For all those who stand the wall. Thank you.

@gebswife

6 жыл бұрын

Peter Cohen 😢Such a compelling story! You wrote it well. I can visually see that conversation and your young father and grandfather and the brace young soldier. Thank you for sharing. God bless you PS You should find a magazine or periodical to publish this story!

@panpiper

6 жыл бұрын

@stormsparrow I tend to post such things on Quora, but that is a mixed bag, very rarely getting a half million readers, but more likely to be seen by very few. Here's another of my father's experiences in that war that got at least a bit of readership. bit.ly/2s9wuwL

@markothwriter

6 жыл бұрын

Guess he didn't know how to swim.

@panpiper

6 жыл бұрын

@Mark ONeill "Guess he didn't know how to swim." Way to trivialize a man's ultimate sacrifice. No thanks for a crass comment on an extremely sober subject. You should be ashamed of yourself.

@shaunaleeboyle6002

4 жыл бұрын

@@markothwriter You Sir are TOOL...now run along adults are talking.

Happy Memorial Day Daddy.. if you were here you would be 100 years old this September 30th...I miss you Daddy ❤❤❤

@1juggy352

Жыл бұрын

Sorry for your loss. God bless❤️

I wish all U.S. citizens would take the time to listen to a fitting tribute like this and try and grasp what Memorial Day is really about. Please don't thank me and other living veterans for our service today. I never shed so much as a single drop of blood in defense of this nation. I am still reaping all the benefits paid for by those who laid down their lives on the altar of freedom. Thank those lying beneath rows of white crosses and the Gold Star families who grieve over them.

Id like to send all the USA armed forces all my respect on this special day. Nicholas Kent, from South Africa.

@tgoodman8883

6 жыл бұрын

Nicholas kent thanks brother. U S MARINE, retired. SON and grandson and great grandson of veterans of this country. 4 generations.

@thewfmanray6135

6 жыл бұрын

Nicholas kent appreciate that brother

@carmineparente4023

6 жыл бұрын

Nicholas kent GOD BLESS YOU SA. WE ARE BEHIND YOU!

Jocko I literally cry every podcast. I’m 6’6 295 former professional football player. You inspire me as a man to go out and achieve great things Nobel things while remembering the blood and sacrifice of others. Pleas continue on this quest you’re on! You are helping so many and I appreciate the words. I was lost with no mission, I’ve found my guts I’ve found that aggressive desire to not give up or give in! Thank You.

@randiarnold7144

6 жыл бұрын

Leo Weo fuck you.

@danielbaugher826

5 жыл бұрын

Rob Dodd Don Shipley who has the stolen valor show on Buds 131 on KZread and his own site said " I'm not scared of anyone but I wouldn't want to go near Jocko pissed off that guys a freak show " lol that says a lot about that man HOO-YAH 🙏🏻🇺🇸😇

@gagemucci2758

3 жыл бұрын

Stolen Valor is so pathetic

Should be played in every college, at the beginning of every NFL season, in every grade and high school. God bless the veterans.

@kennethcurtis1856

Ай бұрын

Every mom and or dad should show this to their kids.

"Some say our country wavered, but I did not waver. Ever."

Lt Col John C Spahr, USMC 1/9/1963- 5/2-2005

@1fitRN

6 жыл бұрын

SALUTE

@joshuarosner5691

6 жыл бұрын

Rest In Peace. Thank you for everyone he did.

@gebswife

6 жыл бұрын

Brian Brady Lt. Col. Spahr, posthumously, thank you for your brave service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Rest In Peace

@dayneupperman7675

6 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU

This is what America is all about.

@kristiesmith9928

2 жыл бұрын

I love this military.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY WE HONOR OUR FLAG AND STAND FOR OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE THAT MADE OUR LAND THE HOME OF THE FREE!!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SACRIFICE!!!!!!

Thanks for this Jocko, and thanks to our fallen heroes.

Dear our troops in heaven, I am honored to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices. I salute to you.🇺🇸

They had a rendezvous with death, and they did not shy from it. Salute

@christopherthrawn1333

6 жыл бұрын

matthew jonker God bless America!

Man I love this country

@danielbaugher826

5 жыл бұрын

John Smith AMEN BROTHER GOD BLESS AMERICA MY FRIEND 🙏🏻🇺🇸😇

Memorial Day is always a solemn remembrance for me. Too few understand the meaning of this day.

@Chadthaboss

6 жыл бұрын

Trips My Trigger p

@gebswife

6 жыл бұрын

Amen!

@BlargeMan

6 жыл бұрын

They confuse Memorial Day for Independence Day.

@markchick634

5 жыл бұрын

Only people with Family in the military know what memorial day is.The rest of society its a fing party.Sad Ass world..

Thank you for the sobering reminder. And thank you for your sacrifice, Jocko. I thank God you survived and are able to teach and LEAD us to freedom. SALUTE.

Commander thank you sir , for you and your brothers service for our country and freedom. My husband is former military and now retired law enforcement. I/we celebrate our freedoms each and everyday and pray for the loss of our brother's and sister's along for their families. God bless you sir and again thank you.

All my brothers and sisters that never came home. Thank you.... thank you Jocko so we never forget. Freedom is not free. Only Blood pays for it.

Watch this every Memorial Day. Still the best.

Wow. Now that was moving. All gave some, some gave all. That is what today is about. The Presidents never go to fight the wars, and most always are sure to send the poor. Not them. Not THIER sons. This dude, speaks the truth and knows his shit. Amen Sir. Amen.

Back again… Thank you boys. You will always be my hero’s.

Speak the truth!!! Thank you to all our warriors for me and country! We will never forget you with all the respect and honor you deserve! Jocko you are an inspiration!!! Thank you Sir

I have nothing to add to your words. I recently walked my oldest daughter down the aisle, free and able to pursue her own goals, ambitions, dreams and free to become one with her chosen husband. We owe our foundational ability to live in a Democratic Republic to soldiers, originally 300 Spartans who KNEW they would die. Without their stand, in 480 BC, there would have been no Democratic model for us to follow, and without the sacrifices of our soldiers over the centuries, no America to be proud of! Well read, well spoken and well received! Thanks!

Lots of people need to listen to this. Gratitude to all who served. I brushed off my pops burial flag just 20 mins ago...my marine corp uncle Charles "Chuck" Salls was a survivor of chosin...a hero of chosin and my father lance corporal William henry Salls.....to you and to them and to all who gave up their time and sometimes all.

God bless the souls of the fallen. God comfort the families of the fallen. God give the living the wisdom to learn from the fallen.

Amazing speech Jocko. God bless.

My grandfather was on the St. Paul in the south pacific, my uncle and cousin were in Viet Nam, my nephew was on the Nimitz in the Persian Gulf, they all survived. I know many did not. Thank you all who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

I watch this every Memorial Day. I’m not a Vet but this speech gives so much meaning. I will never forget.

I pray my children always respect and appreciate those who fought for their freedoms.

Every time I hear Jocko speak, I get humbled. Awesome. I appreciate everyone who served. Thank you. For the men and women who gave their lives, I can only hope I am living a life worthy of your sacrifice (I am not, but I am working on that). Thank you.

Thanks again for this great speech Jocko.

Jocko is the man.

@danielbaugher826

4 жыл бұрын

skuirrelTV Jesus is the man but Jocko is a heck of one for sure 🙏🏻✝🇺🇸😇

As a young boy i was taught to be a warrior was the most respected honor to achieve with in the family & among the tribe,but at one time our family went to war against the country in witch we live in today.Now we fight along side her the united states to defend agaisnt all enemies that threaten to destroy her.Being born into a warrior society is a passsage that one must confront & do,it is the responsibility for one to enlist into the military to become a part of the warrior circle.From my great great grand fathers to my uncles to father & brother & then to me the last & youngest son,it was passed upon me to continue this honor & tradition of the warrior circle,& to give a part of myself so other can be free.thank you Jocko for your words & all you have done for this great nation of ours HOO-YA! ( PIAUTE/WASHOE NATIVE AMERICAN VETERAN US NAVY 100%SC)

@1fitRN

6 жыл бұрын

SALUTE

Remember the Fallen. Honor the Brave.

I'm not as ignorant as I was before the Jocko podcast. I have a better appreciation for the sacrifices given and have more gratitude.

Do not mourn the loss of them but be thankful that such men lived.

@kennethcurtis1856

Ай бұрын

General George S. Patton, Jr.

Wow! Jocko hit a home run. Simply amazing.

I’m not a serviceman but I find this man so inspiring and am thankful to him for helping me remember the sacrifices of the people of the past who fought for their freedom and mine. Remember them.

I got a night terror this morning. I can't do anything about that happening. So what?! The good will still win against and have victory against evil, by crushing and destroying it!!! It does take time for that to happen. It will happen!! May God & His Angels Bless you Jocko Willink! May you be able to feel peaceful and more relaxed, in your own unique way, may you be able to find laughter, fun and enjoyment! You deserve to! Make today and other days of your life enjoyable, exciting, fun and hold onto your dreams!

Freedom is NOT FREE!!!! Thank you to all of our Military!! Thank you.

Best gift you can give OUR fallen....Teach OUR Youth about the Warriors who have paved the way....THANK YOU Until The High Ground....

Thank you Jocko. Thank you to all our brave heros. Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines. Special ops of all branches. We the people can never repay or show enough gratitude for the price you paid. We can only live as good as we can and embrace all that you sacrificed for. Thank you!! Sincerely Rod Gano

@MonicaGriego4

6 жыл бұрын

You missed a branch there...

@rodgano2780

6 жыл бұрын

Monica Griego My bad. Im sorry last but not least. The brave men and women of the Coast Guard in wich i had many friends. God bless them and thank you for your service!!

@MonicaGriego4

6 жыл бұрын

Sorry, as a Coastie Mom it's really fustrating not seeing them receive the acknowledgment they so deserve. THEY are the first line of defense day in and day out.

@rodgano2780

6 жыл бұрын

Monica Griego Yes ma'am they are. They do some outrageous selfless acts to save lives too!! I had many coast guard friends and they were great people. God Bless you and your son or daughter.

@MonicaGriego4

6 жыл бұрын

Rod Gano Thank you!

"Make every day Memorial Day...." Thank you Jocko

Never forget these brave people 🇺🇸

We are truly the most blessed nation in the history of the world; Let's keep it that way. I am no one special yet every single day I live in grattitude, I thank the Lord for being so blessed. It can be a bit of mixed emotions though just because I know that there are a whole lot of folks out there that are having to endure hell on a daily basis here and all around the globe. I am thankful for those who serve, have served and have sacrificed so much for this great country. Thank you all for your service.

God Bless the fallen soldiers. Thank you Jocko

You’ve gotten me through so much. Every week since I left… I cannot actually thank you enough. The hardest part of life now is trying to just be a person. I try but I’m always called out. I love everything about being a marine but I just wana be me.

Outstanding tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters who sacrificed so much! Thank you for that. “ Make Memorial Day everyday”.

Humans are amazing and we need more of them like Jocko.

For those of you who disliked why, he's talking about soldiers who fought and died for you, me, for everyone in this nation, and remember all the fallen who died for our freedom, so don't dislike the video, like it or don't watch it

I understand to the best of my ability, acknowledge battle worn history and remember my ancestors. I do not, will not, cannot, forget. Warriors come in many stripes and are not always at war. Some are at ease, others at rest. Some are called, some are recalled. Fewer are given reprieve but will be, must be, cycled again and again and again. There are names for this. Words never do it justice. Respect like trust is becoming something of a rarity as is a wise man reading from a blank page. It's either in your bones or it isn't. You already know, or you will. War and it's warriors are the one constant on this planet. It's unavoidable, it's part of our Human race. Peace, like Utopia, is best described as nowhere. We are somewhere. I am here. I accept my return. It's unavoidable, but there will come a time when the cycle will be completed. If I'm last in line, it's to acknowledge and honor all those who walked this great Earth before me. God Speed.......

Family, friends and freedom! Yes!! Thanks Jocko.

To Jocko and all Veterans: thank you. You will never be forgotten. My gratitude will never end. I am heading to meps a second time soon to see if i may return my gratitude with blood ,sweat, and service and you have been a great source of inspiration and wisdom. Thank you Jocko. Thank you Brave veterans.

If you can say it better than Jocko today - you should do so. God Bless America and all those who have, are, and will in the future, serve her. Today belongs to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, remember them in prayer.

This is still the most powerful Memorial Day message I have heard Make every day, Memorial Day

In tears!

Dear Lord. This is the most powerful speech I have ever heard. Thank you Jocko.

Thank you for your service

Wiping the tears away. . .thank you!

Im from Brazil, Jocko. You are amazing dude. You're inspire every american and i really hope brazilian guys too. Thanks a lot man. You literally changed my life, this on the other side of the world.

@lorisuettinger9121

2 жыл бұрын

Well said I sit here dreading work tomorrow with the people who have given up ...400 plus folks who are so rude and negative Iam proud to say iam done that's a battle I can't win...I will enjoy my world thanks to you and so will they

Never Forget! 😭💔 🇺🇸

This brought tears to my eyes as I remembered why they gave it all. To the ones that held the Line Thank You. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

No man left sir .

Powerful jocko willink. Side note the canadians held the line against the yankees in 1812. Respect, from your northern brothers.

I can listen to this on a loop and everytime I hear it, it hits me the same way.

Thank you, Jocko 😢

Sgt. Lural Dean "Butch" Stevens, USMC 10/06/1946 - 7/23/1995 Mike Company, Third Battalion, First Marine Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed so much. Thank you, Jocko, for this touching reminder.

You are not forgotten.

Thank you Jocko and Echo.

May God bless all who have served this nation , God bless the fallen may they rest in peace , and God bless jocko because educates us.

This is one of the most moving tributes I have seen. Thank you for posting it.

God bless the our fallen & their families .

Semper Fi Brother! 👍🏾🔥! Respect.. Peace Be Unto You....

Damn I love this country ! God bless our military for fighting for what we have here today !!!🇺🇸🙏😇

God Bless my adopted homeland of America and Bless all those who have sacrificed so that I can live out my dreams. Hat tip Jocko and thank you Sir for this.

Jocko's podcast help me set goals. Helped set my morals straight. Currently studying for a mos in the Army . Thank you Jocko.

my dad instilled this in me. Thank you for your service to our heroes.

Jocko this is beautiful. I read it on Twitter, but listening to you read it is awesome. Remember all our fallen hero's, but also remember those who survived but left a piece off themself out there and have suffered consequences ever since. Many of them also traded their American dream to protect ours. May God bless them all. Thank you Jocko for this reminder, and thank you for your service to your country to us all. God bless you.

Beautiful.

Little late to the party. They should board cast this speech nation wide...Memorial Day is for the warriors who died with boots on their feet for freedom...freedom which allow everyone to embrace and be who we are...for good or bad. Take time and Bless/thank those who gave their lives for our freedom we have today. God Bless America.

Wow... Just, wow. Thank you, shipmate for this timeless ode to our fallen heroes of every generation. Perfect. *****SEMPER FORTIS*****

Heart touching and beautiful,Hats off to Jocko for this tribute

Never Forget

Godbless and RIP to all who give the ultimate sacrifice. And thank you to all veterans and service men and women for your service i love you guys and gals.

Thank you. For giving us this country. For keeping us safe. For giving me freedom. Thank you. Everyday.

God Bless ALL for their SERVICE, SACRIFICES, God Bless the families who lost so much. I will never forget any of you.

Thanks for your service for my friends and to you and yours many good days sir I spend with you . Please keep up the good fight for us .

Thank you for you Service !!! We will never forget your sacrifices!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Thank you for keeping us free!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Jocko Thank you, you're the epitome of a real man and a Warrior Angel sent from God.

I will remember. Not just today but everyday when I can come home to my bed. I will remember you.

Thank you sir, for your service and the brothers next to you, before you, and after you. Thank you

Thank you for this Jocko. We will all be listening to this tonight as we gather. So much love for you sir

Amazing explanation Sir. One that brings tears to ones eyes. Tears of Pride; for the Red, White & Blue. More importantly, Gratitude for what you all do; those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. ✊

Thank you Jocko for the truth and the reminders of the cost for the freedom to live in the USA.

Powerful and moving

Great speech

Thank you all for your service. I remain forever in awe of your courage and service. Semper Fi.

The best Memorial Day speech I have ever heard. Hits me every time I listen to it. I will never forget.

Thank you Jocko for sharing this and reminding us to never forget and to be grateful for everything we have. Thank you for your service.

God bless you Jocko and God bless America