remembering

Today in the United States we celebrate Memorial Day, a day when we remember those who gave their lives for our country. I am a patriot through-and-through, but this memorial day has become a bit more personal. In searching through my family history, I have uncovered two forgotten heroes in my heritage.

1. John Boyd

John Boyd was my 4G grandfather on my paternal grandmother’s side. John and his wife Martha moved from Ireland and settled in North Carolina. He joined the Revolutionary War and fought under General Nathanael Greene. His commanding officer was Captain Smith. He was enlisted for entire duration of the Revolutionary War. He and his wife had two children during the war. After the war was over he moved to Washington County Pennsylvania and then to Beaver County. He is buried in King’s Creek Cemetery near Raccoon Creek State Park in western Pennsylvania. The cemetery has regrettably been taken over by the forest.

2. James Plotts.

James was my 3G grandfather on paternal grandmother’s side. He enlisted in the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry in August of 1863 and was shot and killed in December of that same year. There are conflicting reports of whether he was a blacksmith or a bugler. He is buried in Nashville TN. After some tough research, I have found where his grave is, and plan on visiting it someday.

In addition to these two forgotten heroes, there are other heroes in my family. My bonus father Paul Gagnon served in the Unites States Army during Viet Nam. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII, Harry Booth and Carl Evans both served in the United States Army.

So, yes, this memorial day is more personal to me this year. What about you? What makes Memorial Day personal to you?