Roy Falls at Norris' gravesite
Friday, May 16, 2014
"KILROY WAS HERE" .... video of May 6th, 2014
"Kilroy was here" ... My daughter & son took this video of me when we were in Washington D.C. on May 6th. I am in the process of writing an informative/interesting book about how this well-known, cute little quote and drawing came about....the real story behind it. The drawing of "Kilroy was here" was seen on almost every bathroom partition during World War II. ~ Roy Falls (fb J Frank Norris)
"Kilroy was here" ... follow-up statement to video
This brief follow-up of the recent (May 6th) video made in Washington D.C. is the story of legendary character Matthew Kilroy, one of the British soldiers involved in the "Boston Massacre" in 1770. It seems logical in view of WWII anecdotal events to explain the significance of this legendary character. This newer generation is barely familiar with the phrase, "Kilroy Was Here."
Events of the past are fraught with anecdotal facts and fiction. In the case of Matthew Kilroy, he was indeed a real live person at the time of the American Revolution. It can be arguably asserted that the United States of America might never have happened if there had not been an 'American Revolution.' If there had not been a 'Boston Massacre', there might not have been a 'Revolutionary War' that followed. Historians have agreed that the 'Boston Massacre' was the event that triggered the war of independence.
If there had not been the murder of 'Samuel Gray' at the "Boston Massacre", there would have been no significance of the confrontation between Samuel Gray and Kilroy at the scene of the 'rope-walk', a rope making industry in early colonial history. Here is where the plot had it's beginning. Kilroy, one of the British soldiers stationed in Boston, in looking for part-time work, was offered work in cleaning out Gray's 'outhouse'. Kilroy considered Gray's remarks to the 'humiliating' and vowed to take revenge at his first opportunity. It happened on March 5, 1770, when Gray was spotted among the mob during the time of this fateful event.
Kilroy became the number one aggressor. He had followed thru with his vow to even the score against Samuel Gray. It was at the trial, that the phrase "Kilroy was there" was coined and thus the phrase has had a lasting experience throughout new England folklore. The above is reflected in the little cartoon with the words "Kilroy Was Here", so popular in WWII .
Kilroy is seen looking over the partition of army latrine toilet, and in his mind, he is getting the 'last laugh'.
You heard it 'first' from Roy.
Events of the past are fraught with anecdotal facts and fiction. In the case of Matthew Kilroy, he was indeed a real live person at the time of the American Revolution. It can be arguably asserted that the United States of America might never have happened if there had not been an 'American Revolution.' If there had not been a 'Boston Massacre', there might not have been a 'Revolutionary War' that followed. Historians have agreed that the 'Boston Massacre' was the event that triggered the war of independence.
If there had not been the murder of 'Samuel Gray' at the "Boston Massacre", there would have been no significance of the confrontation between Samuel Gray and Kilroy at the scene of the 'rope-walk', a rope making industry in early colonial history. Here is where the plot had it's beginning. Kilroy, one of the British soldiers stationed in Boston, in looking for part-time work, was offered work in cleaning out Gray's 'outhouse'. Kilroy considered Gray's remarks to the 'humiliating' and vowed to take revenge at his first opportunity. It happened on March 5, 1770, when Gray was spotted among the mob during the time of this fateful event.
Kilroy became the number one aggressor. He had followed thru with his vow to even the score against Samuel Gray. It was at the trial, that the phrase "Kilroy was there" was coined and thus the phrase has had a lasting experience throughout new England folklore. The above is reflected in the little cartoon with the words "Kilroy Was Here", so popular in WWII .
Kilroy is seen looking over the partition of army latrine toilet, and in his mind, he is getting the 'last laugh'.
You heard it 'first' from Roy.
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