I have one distant relative, Samuel Cole, who served with the 28th U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. He died at Petersburg, Virginia: I don't know if he died in the Battle of the Crater, though, but he could have been one of the unlucky soldiers that Ambrose Burnside marched right in: https://www.lawrencelore.org/portee-cemetery-c1rf0
Another relative, my great-great uncle Charles D. Anderson, was a Confederate general from Georgia. I don't know much about him, but he survived the war and died in 1901, apparently. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_D._Anderson
My grandfather enlisted and served during World War I. He was a member of the 809th Pioneer Infantry, which was a unit trained in infantry tactics and combat engineering such as building roads and prefabricated structures, but in practical terms, he likely performed all kinds of physical labor, including loading and unloading ships. He set out for France in September 1918 at the height of the deadly influenza pandemic, and may have been aboard the ship in which several pioneer infantrymen died from the flu. He didn't see combat, but served honorably and was discharged in July 1919. His effects are held in the Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute: https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=60DACAEE
Once again we honor those who served our country and were killed in action.
Many confuse Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Veteran's day is for those who served.
My dad survived WWII but died on Memorial Day 2010 in the Alzheimer’s ward of the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. For us, today has become a day to honor his memory as well.
Once again we honor those who served our country and were killed in action.
Many confuse Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Veteran's day is for those who served.
My dad survived WWII but died on Memorial Day 2010 in the Alzheimer’s ward of the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. For us, today has become a day to honor his memory as well.
Well said. My father survived WWII and my grandfather survived WWI despite being wounded. But, we revere their service today.
I was referring more to veterans who are still alive.
We spent Memorial day weekend in our nation's capitol. Arlington cemetery was one of the most humbling places I've ever been. Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier was something I can't put into words.
I was talking to Mrs. AW about how somber the thought of Memorial Day is, especially in comparison to how most of the nation treats the day (extra party day akin to 4th of July or Labor Day). I'm guilty of this as well, not passing any judgement, just an observation.
But, @IMADreamer 's post made me think about it again.