These 10 Heartbreaking True Stories Will Stay With You Forever

These 10 stories we have compiled today will surely break your heart or make its beat speed up. From extinct and sad animals to unfortunate children and pets, let us know which one you found the most interesting.

1. The Dust Bowl Migrant Children

During the dust bowl in the 1930s, it was reported that dust fell from the sky like how snow usually does. It easily covered the farmlands, the houses and roofs, even the taller buildings.

Some people who stayed actually have to put away their utensils like cups and plates until the meal is cooked and ready to get as little dust as possible before eating.

All of these also coincided with the great depression, making it one of the saddest parts of history, especially for the children at that time. Looking back at all of these, we really are one of the luckiest groups of people simply by being born in the right era.

Do you think you could have survived during those times? Let us know in the comments!

Source: History Channel

2. The Man Who Tried to Stop Tiananmen Square Tanks

The tank man is the nickname or title given to this man in the image for showcasing one of the most courageous moments in human history. Standing in front of multiple tanks to prevent them from hurting innocent and peaceful protesters.

According to some news, he most likely is just trying to stop the tanks from cracking down on the protesters in the Tiananmen square in 1989, as the funeral for one of their political leaders become a full-blown protest. That is why there are multiple tanks in what looks like a military parade.

What do you think about this image? It is probably one of the coldest and coolest pictures you have ever seen, right? Let us know your thoughts about this image!

Source: Wikipedia

3. The Blue Baby Who Changed Surgery

Back in 1944, a man of color named Vivien Thomas was not recognized for his work and efforts in saving a baby with a heart problem, which turned out to be the “blue baby syndrome”, a form of heart defect.

When he performed the operation, he actually did not have any medical degree, but he adapted surgical instruments and was instrumental to the success of the surgery. This operation was also recognized as a vital and essential component that paved the way for modern cardiac surgery.

Would you have done what he did? Operate despite not having a medical degree, knowing that you could save the baby? At the same time, you know that you most likely will not receive any recognition if the result is positive. Let us know!

Source: Wikipedia

4. The Tree That Survived 9/11

The survivor tree is a callery pear tree that survived the falling of rubbles from the 9/11 attack at the World Trade Center. It was found actually, after almost a month, and despite being damaged and almost dead, it hung on to life.

It was about 8 feet back then, with its roots snapped from the ground, and some of its parts were burning when found. It was nurse back to health and grew to about 30 feet.

Now, people can visit this survivor tree at the same location, and it is widely considered a symbol of hope and a living reminder of resiliency.

Have you seen this tree in person? How tall was it the last time you visited? Share it with us!

Source: 9/11 Memorial

5. The Last Passenger Pigeon

Once upon a time, the most abundant bird in the whole of North America was the passenger pigeon, but due the people continuously hunting them down until almost none were left.

It is estimated that there were about a few billion of them before the mass hunting. The changes in their natural habitat due to urbanization and deforestation also did not help.

The last of them actually died in a zoo back in 1914. She was named Martha. What do you think about this bird? Do you think they are prettier or look like the common species of pigeons we see in most cities?

Source: National Audubon Society

6. The Story of the Kinder Scout Trespass

This protest back in 1932 is one of the reasons you or anyone can walk in any national park today. Back then in England, only a few people were allowed to and this caused about 400 men and women to walk the hiking trail to demand their rights.

This event has been named the “Kinder Mass Tresspass” as it happened in the plateau of Kinder Scout, which is now known as Peak District National Park. Have you visited this park before?

Source: Peak District National Park

7. The Whale That Couldn’t Be Heard

A whale named “52-hertz whale” has been recorded as one of the loneliest whales in the world because of its unique calling frequency. At least, that is what scientists theorized as to why no other whales have been seen responding to its calls.

This frequency is usually outside the normal hertz at which other whales are communicating, typically at lower values. That is why they developed the theory that no other whale could hear his calls.

This is probably one of the saddest stories if it is actually true or proven. It could have been the same with humans, but the difference is that we learned over time how to communicate using more than just sound.

But how sad it would be if you tried to speak to other humans with your own voice, but they could not hear you.

Source: Wikipedia

8. The Boy Who Said Goodbye to His Dog Before War

One of the most forgotten historical events and consequences of war is the fear of food and supply shortages. If it happened, it would be even worse, but the fear alone could devastate humans to do actions they usually would not have done.

Such was the case with the British pets during World War 2 in expectation of a full-scale war and its effect on supplies. This leads to many children and families hugging their dogs goodbye and never seeing them again.

Do you have any pets right now? Can you imagine something like that happening to them if your country had suddenly been thrown into war?

A lot of people would have probably fought back today to protect their pets, as we are a generation that is more attached to them than ever.

Did you know about this sad random fact? Share it with us if you have more information and details about this event.

Source: BBC

9. The Last Known Words of the Challenger Crew

The last comment heard from the Space Shuttle Challenger Crew was from the pilot, Michael J. Smith, saying “Uh-oh”. This moment was actually recorded just a few seconds before the explosion. The pilot probably felt the right rocket booster separating from the external tank. A sign that things did not go well.

This is one of the most devastating incidents for the space exploration community, but it is undeniable that it is several times safer now due to how much we have progressed since then. With our technology, AI, and understanding from repetition.

Despite the risk, if you were given the chance to ride a space shuttle, to go to space, would you have taken the chance to do so? Share your opinions with us!

Source: Los Angeles Times

10. The Library That Was Burned in War

The US-Iraq war back in 2003 has a lot of consequences that are not heard of by the public. One of them is the burning of a famous library in Baghdad. It resulted in the loss of historical writing and books that are now lost forever.

These libraries that contain important information that can connect us to the past should always be protected from any conflict or natural disasters. They are clearly more beneficial than they are harmful, no matter what your purpose and goal are.

Do you agree with this statement? Let us know which library you think is the most important one. It can be from today or the past and does not exist anymore!

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

Author's Final Thoughts

Did you cry a little bit reading these stories? Well, the purpose of this article is to educate and inform you about true stories that happened in the past, so we hope you learn a thing or two from these events. If you want to read more fascinating tales, you can head on to this article below or go straight to our collection of interesting facts.

Related: Incredible Stories and Facts You’ve Probably Never Heard Before