A very moving moment in Saving Private Ryan is when the mom receives the news that she lost a son in the War. That scene played out thousands of times during the War. Though not directly related to D-Day, the below images are a series of announcements in my collection of a soldier that was first MIA and then later declared KIA. All of the correspondence is directed to his mother. I also have a series of another soldier that was KIA that are addressed to his wife. Notice the dates of the information. No doubt that the mother lived in hope and anguish for a long time.
The first image is a Western Union Telegram from Oct 31, 1944 declaring that her son has been MIA for 2 weeks
The second image is a WU telegram from Nov 7, 1944 stating that he is KIA
The third image is an official announcement from Nov 3, 1944 declaring him as MIA
The fourth is an official announcement from Nov 13, 1944 declaring him KIA
The fifth is an official announcement from Nov 15, 1944 declaring him KIA
The sixth image is an announcement citing the cause of death.
The other documents that I have (not shown) of a soldiers death spans a greater time period. The first WU Telegram stating him being MIA was dated March 12, 1944 with the next WU Telegram advising him being MIA was dated Aug 6, 1944. The wife went 5 months not knowing the status of her husband.
Personally, I find it amazing that family members get rid of items like this to only be purchased at a flea market. I do what I can with my collection to keep these brave men and women remain "known".
The bracelet is made from a Combat Infantry Badge with the links naming the battles that the soldier was in.