Embarking on the sacred journey of family history, we uncover the profound sacrifices woven into the fabric of our lineage—stories etched in the annals of wars that sculpted the landscape of freedom.
We all have family somewhere in our genealogy past that we have lost during times of war.
As we approach Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, let us don the poppy as a symbol of gratitude for all the past and present veterans and for our ancestors who paid the ultimate price.
In tracing our roots, we may encounter the resolute spirit of great-great-grandfather, who may have been a Union or Confederate soldier who bore witness to the strife of the American Civil War. His letters, penned with ink of a bygone era, illuminate the courage that courses through our veins—a legacy purchased with resilience amid conflict.
Post-World War I, our forebear could have been an Great Uncle George who emerged from the trenches, carrying not only battle scars but also the spirit that defined the Roaring Twenties. His tales paint a poignant picture of an era shaped by sacrifice and the pursuit of a brighter future for generations to come.
In the tumult of World War II, maybe your Grandmother Margaret stands as a beacon of strength on the home front—an embodiment of the spirit that defined the Greatest Generation. Her contributions resonate as a testament to the sacrifices made for the cause of freedom.
Amidst the shadows of the Korean War, we uncover the story of Uncle Robert, a hero whose sacrifices often escape notice. His service in the “Forgotten War” reminds us of the enduring legacy of sacrifice on distant shores for the sake of freedom.
Possibly the jungles of Vietnam cast a long shadow over your family tree, with your Uncle James etching his name in the pages of history. His letters from the frontline reveal not only the harsh realities of war but also the enduring bonds forged amidst the chaos.
As time unfolds, so does our family’s connection to conflict. Your cousin Sarah, a symbol of the Gulf War era, stands as a testament to the evolving roles of women in the military. The narratives of more recent conflicts echo the continued dedication of our kin to duty and service.
As Remembrance Day and Veterans Day dawn upon us, let us wear the poppy with reverence—a small yet profound gesture of gratitude for past and present veterans and our ancestors, who paid the price for our freedom. In honoring their sacrifices, we acknowledge the timeless legacy of valor that courses through our veins, connecting us to a lineage of courage that transcends generations.
“In Flanders Fields”
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Discovering Your Past 