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Honoring Those Who Paid The Ultimate Cost On Memorial Day

Updated on May 29, 2023. Originally added on May 28, 2018 by Kathy Pinna

In memory of those who paid the ultimate price to preserve and protect the United States of America: Memorial Day began as "Decoration Day," and was established in 1868 to memorialize those that had lost their lives in the United States Civil War.

The name was changed to Memorial Day and now we honor all of those killed in military action. While many celebrate Memorial Day with barbecues and picnics, let's remember to keep at front of mind those who have kept us safe and free.

These images from the Civil War through the Vietnam War show just a few of those killed in action. Take a moment to honor your military heroes by sharing their stories to show the world that they are still remembered.

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The Military Fallen: A Tribute in Pictures

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The Pitchford family - father & six sons

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Lsfayette Eaton
12 favorites
shared on 01/01/2001

2 of these sons were killed in the Civil War - one was sent home because he was too young to enlist.

1861 - The Civil War

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71st Infantry Regiment of New York.

1865 dedication of the Battle of Bull Run Monument

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Killed at Vicksburg

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Jeron Hanks
21 favorites
shared on 07/20/2003

William Howell Hanks

John Sheeks

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Killed in action on April 8, 1864.

Company H, the Spanish-American War

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Unknown User
46 favorites
shared on 08/05/2002

1898

Lorenzo Francis Strosnider

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Raymond Phillips
40 favorites
shared on 08/02/2004

He served in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war and died there.

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Forse W. Knaub

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Frederick Riegel
5 favorites
shared on 09/25/2010

1898, the Spanish-American War

Co. H. 331st Infantry, WW 1

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Jack Conlen

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Bernie Conlen
3 favorites
shared on 01/01/2001

Killed in action, WW 1.

Chester Clay William

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Carol Sutton
33 favorites
shared on 03/11/2009

Killed in action, WW1.

Harry Christensen

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Photo of Harry Christensen Harry Christensen
9 favorites
shared on 03/05/2015

WW1, 1917 France

The South Wales Borderers

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Photo of Kevin Moss Kevin Moss
7 favorites
shared on 10/19/2014

France, front line, WW 1

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William Rosengren

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MaryAnn Andersen
31 favorites
shared on 12/05/2013

In World War 1, recovering from the loss of his left hand in battle

The USS Killen

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WW 2 in the Pacific Theater, circa 1945. 15 men were killed when the ship was hit.

World War 2

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Carol Poulos
21 favorites
shared on 03/06/2016

The Oak Ridge Guards, WW 2

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Photo of Angela May Angela May
10 favorites
shared on 12/12/2015

Oak Ridge was a part of the Manhattan Project, a vital part of the war effort.

World War 2 Aircraft

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France, WW 2

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Photo of John Vaughn John Vaughn
104 favorites
shared on 11/10/2015

The 99th Pursuit Squadron, 1941

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Terence Stelges

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Pat Head
4 favorites
shared on 05/25/2015

Killed in action, WW 2.

Emerson M Bair

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Dolores Maxwell
86 favorites
shared on 12/27/2014

Killed in action, France WW 2.

Kenneth James Mckeown

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Photo of Robert Macdonald Robert Macdonald
7 favorites
shared on 06/05/2014

Killed in action shortly after he was married.

Cpl. Thomas W. House

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Kerri Chandler
7 favorites
shared on 09/05/2007

Killed in action, WW 2.

Loren Wayne Watson

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Photo of Doug Greene Doug Greene
84 favorites
shared on 04/17/2006

Killed in action, WW 2.

The Korean War, 1952

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Chuck Barrett, navigator.

Virgil Lee Howell

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Photo of John Vaughn John Vaughn
104 favorites
shared on 11/10/2015

Killed in action, the Korean War.

William Riley Jones

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Killed in action, the Korean War.

Elbert Arthur Condley

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Killed in action, the Korean War.

Gordon Madison Hatcher

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Betty Lamb
14 favorites
shared on 11/18/2002

Killed in action, the Korean War.

Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam

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Vietnam War

Vietnam, 1970

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William Hochendoner

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Michelle Sereno
12 favorites
shared on 11/27/2014

Vietnam War

Brooke Shadburne

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Killed in action, the Vietnam War.

Casualties: About 620,000 died in the U.S. Civil War and over 1,264,000 Americans have died in all wars. World War 2 was the second most deadly war - over 405,000 died in service.

Have photos that you'd like to see included? Share your photos or see 14 astounding photos of veterans by clicking the next page.

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