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:

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Llywelyn ap Iorwerth

On this day, 11 April 1240, Llywelyn “Fawr” ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), the longest reigning ruler of Welsh principalities, died in Aberconwy, Gwynedd, Wales. (He was my 23rd and 24th great-grandfather.)

Born circa 1173, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth was the only child of Iorwerth “Drwyndwn” ap Owain and Marared ferch Madog. Llywelyn’s father was the eldest surviving son of Owain Gwynedd, prince of Gwynedd. In 1174, Iorwerth ap Owain died in at the Battle at Pennant Melangell. His mother was the daughter of Madog ap Maredudd, Prince of Powys. Through her, Llywelyn is descended from Rhodri Mawr, king of Wales.

Henry II of Brabant

On this day, 1 February 1248, Henry II of Brabant passed away. He was my 24th and my 25th great-grandfather.

Born in 1207, in Leuven, Belgium, Henry II of Brabant was the son of Henry I of Brabant and Matilda of Boulogne.

Marie of Brabant

My genealogical researches have uncovered dozens of devout ancestors. This is the eighth installment of a series of posts titled “Doing God’s Work: Our Families’ Faithful”, documenting the lives of those who served God.

In the previous post of this series, I discussed the life of Ela of Salisbury (my 24th and my 25th great-grandmother), an abbess. In this post, I will introduce Marie of Brabant (my 23rd great-grandmother), who entered monastic life after the death of her husband.

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On this day, 12 January 1322, Marie of Brabant passed away.

Born on 13 May 1254, in Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium, Marie was the youngest child and only daughter of Henry III, Duke of Brabant, and Adelaide of Burgundy. She joined brothers Henry (born circa 1251), John (born 1253), and Godfrey (birthdate unknown).

Land of the Pharaohs

In life’s travels, we often take side trips. Some side trips prove to be integral aspects of our life’s journey, as in higher education, career choices, marriage, and having children. Others prove to be enlightening and exciting diversions.

In this series, Passport to the World, I will revisit the side trips of my own life travels. We have already visited France and Italy. The next stop is the cradle of civilization: Egypt.