My Dad added this video to our family history website a while back and it is particularly on my mind today.
I do not know these men. Other than my Grandfather's and my Dad's Uncle Jim, I haven't heard stories of them or know about their lives. Yet I cannot help but be reduced to tears as I watch this, see their names, how they served and in many cases, the young ages at which their lives were ended.
In the grainy & faded photographs I recognize a smile, dimples, or eyes and the familiarity which tells me they are mine. That who I am, I owe in part to them. I see all of those who bear the name Robert - the same name I gave my son in honor of his Grandfather & Great-Grandfather and hope that he will live up to it. That leads me to think of the sons who didn't come home and the freedom that we all enjoy as a result and the tears start to flow.
On this day especially, I will watch this with my children gathered safely about me and when they ask "Why are you crying Mom?" I will try to articulate what I feel and probably fail.
I hope as they grow in age and understanding they will come to appreciate what I now do and also my sweet Dad who made them more than just names on a pedigree chart and helped us feel a connection to them.
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
Malachi 4:6
3 comments:
That's really touching. It does make your heart ache when you think of those families getting notices that their family members had been killed.
Wow. I never realised just how many of our ancestors served for their country. And, you know, even though I know certain things about my Uncle Jack (my Dad's brother), I didn't realise he was killed aged just 19. Your Dad is doing an amazing job with the family history.
Karen - I know! I was struck with the thought that he was barely older than Rebekah is now. So young.
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