Memorial Day

Since the end of the Vietnam war America has had an all-volunteer professional armed services. As a result, the conflicts that have been waged since have been done so by an overwhelming minority of the country, yet all freedom loving persons around the world have benefited from their sacrifice.

Many, like me have never lost a loved one in service to this great country yet we will enjoy many activities this Memorial Day weekend and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s important to take moment to give thanks to the Unknown Soldier who paid the highest price for your freedom and mine.

It’s important not to forget those who lay down their lives in defense of ours. Their names are inscribed on headstones in cemeteries around the country for all to see, and within those names is a wealth of history waiting to be uncovered which can help us learn precisely who these heroes were. Using online resources, such as the Genealogy Bank (see this), which grants access to a vast database composed of newspaper article and obituary archives and genealogy records, there’s plenty of information at our disposal to build our understanding of their lives and what their lineage looks like. Keeping the memory of the soldiers alive means that their sacrifice will not go forgotten by those who have benefitted most greatly from their selfless acts rooted in their patriotism and dedication to this country and its future.