The Ultimate Sacrifice

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a day to spend with your family and for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their county.

Early this morning, as I was preparing my homemade potato salad and cole slaw for tonight’s picnic, I gave thanks for our ancestors who have taken up arms through the centuries, particularly those who have perished while serving their country or cause, including:

• Jody Taylor (my uncle), who enlisted in the U.S. Marines on 1 February 1970, serving with them until his death on 3 September 1973. Although he fought in the Vietnam War, Uncle Jody died stateside during military exercises.
• Johan Georg Goss (my spouse’s 6th great-grandfather), who served in the American Revolution and died in battle circa 1780/1781.
• George Goss (my spouse’s 6th great-uncle), who served in the American Revolution and died at the Wyoming Valley Massacre on 3 July 1778.
• Jacob Goss (my spouse’s 6th great-uncle), who served in the American Revolution and died at the Wyoming Valley Massacre on 3 July 1778.
• Henry Francis, Sr. (my 7th great-grandfather), who served in the American Revolution and died at the Battle of Shallow Ford on 14 October 1780.
• Richard Plantagenet (my 17th great-grandfather), who fought in the War of the Roses, was attacked by the Lancastrians near Wakefield, England, and died on 30 December 1460.
• Patrick Hepburn, The Younger of Hailes (my 19th great-grandfather), who fought in the Anglo-Scottish Wars and was killed at the Battle of Nesbit Moor on 22 June 1402.
• Adam de Gordon (my 19th great-grandfather), who fought in the Anglo-Scottish Wars and was killed at the Battle of Homildon Hill on 14 September 1402.
• John de Graeme (my 20th great-grandfather), who fought in the First War of Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298.
• James Stewart of Pearston (my 20th great-grandfather), who fought in the Second War for Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Halidon Hill on 19 July 1333.
• Alan Stewart of Dreghorn (my 21st great-grandfather), who fought in the Second War for Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Halidon Hill on 19 July 1333.
• John Stewart of Bonkyl (my 21st great-grandfather), who fought in the First War of Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298.
• Roger de Mortimer (my 21st great-grandfather), who accompanied Edward III on his invasion of France and who died in Rouvray, France on 28 February 1360.
• Malcolm Drummond (my 21st great-grandfather), who fought in the Second War for Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Neville’s Cross on 17 October 1346.
• Malcolm II of Lennox (my 22nd great-grandfather), who fought in the Second War for Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Halidon Hill on 19 July 1333.
• Patrick Graham of Kincardine (my 23rd great-grandfather), who fought in the First War of Scottish Independence and died at the Battle of Dunbar on 27 April 1296.
• William Longespée (my 23rd great-grandfather), who died while on Crusade at the Battle of Al-Manṣūrah on 8 February 1250.
• Iorwerth “Drwyndwn” ap Owain (my 24th and my 25th great-grandfather) who was killed at the Battle at Pennant Melangell during the war to decide succession following the death of his father.
• Donnchad mac Murchada (my 28th great-grandfather through his granddaughter Órlaith of Leinster and my multi-times great-grandfather through many, many lines via his granddaughter Aoife “Eva” MacMurrough’s granddaughters: Matilda “Maud” Marshal, Isabel Marshal, and Eva Marshal), who died in battle in 1115.
• Crínán of Dunkeld (my two-times 30th great-grandfather, my 31st great-grandfather, and my 32nd great-grandfather), who died at the Battle at Dunkeld in 1045.