Memories for Memorial Day

I'm not sure where my love for my country started. It could've been in kindergarten when we would say the pledge of allegiance or in 1976 when I was six and we had a Bicentennial l celebration and I decorated my bike and road in a parade in . my church parking lot. Maybe it was in high school when I was chosen as the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen. I was invited to attend a fancy banquet in Jacksonville N.C. escorted by my sweet Mom. Out of the whole experience the thing that has always stuck with me was something my Dad had said. He said, "you know you can join the Daughters of the American Revolution, because you had an ancestor fight in the Revolutionary war". Then he told me all about Jesse Swinson.
This year I am actually joining a DAR new Chapter that just started in my area! To be a member I had to prove that I had an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War. Fortunately my Dad had a compiled history of some of my ancestors bound for his children. Because of this treasure I was able to go right to my office and find information directly linking me. It states that my ancestor Jesse was a private and musician in the militia and reads " I must really laugh while I recollect their figures 2000 Men in their shirts and trousers, proceeded by an ill beat drum and a fiddler, who was in his shirt with long sword and cue at his hair, who played with all his might." My ancestor Jesse was that fiddler.
This is very significant. It reminds me how important sharing family stories are! Hearing this story as a child is the direct reason why my boys played the violin and had the opportunity to play the National Anthem at a Sacramento Kings Game and is also why I am now a member of Daughters of the American Revolution.
This Memorial Day share your family stories with your children and grandchildren! You never know the impact it will have on their lives!
Thank you to all of our Veterans and active service men and women for your sacrifice. Please document your stories. Your experiences are the foundation for our future. God bless America!