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.
Impressed at how far back you’ve gotten on your family tree and the way you’re able to remember these brave men. Enjoyed your post.
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That’s a long memory. Nice.
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