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.
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!
@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
@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.
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.
Rob Dodd Don Shipley who has the stolen valor show on Buds 131 on UA-cam 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 🙏🏻🇺🇸😇
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!!!
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
You are going to make many shed tears they never knew they had inside them with this. I hope it wakes them up to the value of all our men and women brave enough to serve. God bless you!
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!
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. ✊
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.
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.
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.
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!
@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
Guess he didn't know how to swim.
@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.
@@markothwriter You Sir are TOOL...now run along adults are talking.
Thanks for this Jocko, and thanks to our fallen heroes.
Id like to send all the USA armed forces all my respect on this special day.
Nicholas Kent, from South Africa.
Nicholas kent thanks brother. U S MARINE, retired. SON and grandson and great grandson of veterans of this country. 4 generations.
Nicholas kent appreciate that brother
Nicholas kent GOD BLESS YOU SA. WE ARE BEHIND YOU!
Lt Col John C Spahr, USMC
1/9/1963- 5/2-2005
SALUTE
Rest In Peace. Thank you for everyone he did.
Brian Brady
Lt. Col. Spahr, posthumously, thank you for your brave service
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Rest In Peace
THANK 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.
Leo Weo fuck you.
Rob Dodd Don Shipley who has the stolen valor show on Buds 131 on UA-cam 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 🙏🏻🇺🇸😇
Stolen Valor is so pathetic
Happy Memorial Day Daddy.. if you were here you would be 100 years old this September 30th...I miss you Daddy ❤❤❤
Sorry for your loss. God bless❤️
They had a rendezvous with death, and they did not shy from it. Salute
matthew jonker God bless America!
Memorial Day is always a solemn remembrance for me. Too few understand the meaning of this day.
Trips My Trigger p
Amen!
They confuse Memorial Day for Independence Day.
Only people with Family in the military know what memorial day is.The rest of society its a fing party.Sad Ass world..
Should be played in every college, at the beginning of every NFL season, in every grade and high school. God bless the veterans.
Every mom and or dad should show this to their kids.
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.
This is what America is all about.
I love this military.
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.
Man I love this country
John Smith AMEN BROTHER GOD BLESS AMERICA MY FRIEND 🙏🏻🇺🇸😇
Amazing speech Jocko. God bless.
Jocko is the man.
skuirrelTV Jesus is the man but Jocko is a heck of one for sure 🙏🏻✝🇺🇸😇
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.
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.
Wow! Jocko hit a home run. Simply amazing.
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.
Watch this every Memorial Day. Still the best.
"Some say our country wavered, but I did not waver. Ever."
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
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.
Thanks again for this great speech Jocko.
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.
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
You missed a branch there...
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!!
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.
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.
Rod Gano Thank you!
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.
Family, friends and freedom! Yes!! Thanks Jocko.
I watch this every Memorial Day. I’m not a Vet but this speech gives so much meaning. I will never forget.
Best gift you can give OUR fallen....Teach OUR Youth about the Warriors who have paved the way....THANK YOU Until The High Ground....
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!!!!!!
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.
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)
SALUTE
God Bless the fallen soldiers. Thank you Jocko
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.
Dear our troops in heaven, I am honored to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices. I salute to 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.
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
Outstanding tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters who sacrificed so much! Thank you for that. “ Make Memorial Day everyday”.
Do not mourn the loss of them but be thankful that such men lived.
General George S. Patton, Jr.
Wiping the tears away. . .thank you!
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!
Humans are amazing and we need more of them like Jocko.
Back again… Thank you boys. You will always be my hero’s.
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.
Thank you, Jocko
😢
Never forget these brave people 🇺🇸
"Make every day Memorial Day...."
Thank you Jocko
Dear Lord. This is the most powerful speech I have ever heard. Thank you Jocko.
Heart touching and beautiful,Hats off to Jocko for this tribute
I pray my children always respect and appreciate those who fought for their freedoms.
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.
In tears!
Freedom is NOT FREE!!!! Thank you to all of our Military!! Thank you.
This is still the most powerful Memorial Day message I have heard
Make every day, Memorial Day
I can listen to this on a loop and everytime I hear it, it hits me the same way.
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.
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.
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.
God bless the our fallen & their families .
The best Memorial Day speech I have ever heard. Hits me every time I listen to it. I will never forget.
Thank you for this Jocko. We will all be listening to this tonight as we gather. So much love for you sir
This is one of the most moving tributes I have seen. Thank you for posting it.
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.
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.
Thank you sir, for your service and the brothers next to you, before you, and after you. Thank you
Thank you for your service
This brought tears to my eyes as I remembered why they gave it all.
To the ones that held the Line Thank You. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank You so much for your service and God Bless you and all other military veterans, and current soldiers. You are the man!!
Never Forget! 😭💔 🇺🇸
Beautifully said. Thank you Jocko for posting and a most greatful thank you to our fallen warriors.
Thank you sir and to all your brothers and sisters
Thank you
You are going to make many shed tears they never knew they had inside them with this. I hope it wakes them up to the value of all our men and women brave enough to serve. God bless you!
Thank you all for your service. I remain forever in awe of your courage and service. Semper Fi.
Jocko's podcast help me set goals. Helped set my morals straight. Currently studying for a mos in the Army . Thank you Jocko.
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 .
Beautiful.
my dad instilled this in me. Thank you for your service to our heroes.
Semper Fi Brother! 👍🏾🔥! Respect.. Peace Be Unto You....
Powerful and moving
Thanks Jocko! Great job and wonderfully crafted message. You are a special human.
Thanks, Jocko... for just saying it like it should be said. God bless you and your brethren.
Thank you for you Service !!! We will never forget your sacrifices!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Thank you for keeping us free!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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!
God Bless ALL for their SERVICE, SACRIFICES, God Bless the families who lost so much. I will never forget any of you.
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 and Echo.
Jocko Thank you, you're the epitome of a real man and a Warrior Angel sent from God.
Wow... Just, wow. Thank you, shipmate for this timeless ode to our fallen heroes of every generation. Perfect. *****SEMPER FORTIS*****
This is the best thing I've ever heard about what Memorial Day is and should be. Bravo! Well done!! SALUTE
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.
Thank you Jocko. God bless you!
Damn this speech gets me every time. All gave some, some gave all.
Awesome GOD BLESS our service men and women
You are not forgotten.
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 you Jocko and God bless America
Great speech
That is really beautiful, so perfectly stated.
Thank you for are Service