Trying to keep up family traditions

[fbhjr]

Here in Massachusetts, yesterday was Patriot’s day.  Nothing to do with GW
Bush’s one for September 11th.  This one goes back to the start of the
revolutionary war more than 200 years ago.

My mother is very proud of the fact her family helped settle Massachusetts
and was involved in the war for independence.
When I was young she had me join the children’s version of the DAR to be
involved in all that patriotic stuff.  I did get quite involved and was a
national officer in it for several years.  Mostly because it was a good way
to meet girls.  But, I eventually tired of it (having met my now wife and
no longer needing to look for girls) and dropped out.

Two of my mother’s ancestors were involved in the war.  One joined his
local militia.  They heard the British were taking over Newport RI, and
marched down to help drive them out.  The battle of Tiverton RI took place
and my great to the whatever grandfather got there only 2 days late for the
battle.
At that point, he decided he’d done enough and went back to the farm.

His father was arrested for being a rebel.  He was put onto a prison ship
in Boston harbor.  He called for the jailer and said:
“Just so you know, I’ve got smallpox.”
He was released so as not to infect everyone else on the ship.
Like his son, he decided that was enough and went home.

So, in the spirit of my ancestors, I didn’t do much yesterday and mostly
hung around home.
Yes, I did go get some blood work done at the doctor’s,  bring my wife
lunch, shop for dinner, scanned a couple of dozen photos for my wife and do
two loads of laundry.
But, like showing up late for a battle or lying your way off of a prison
ship, it really doesn’t count for much.

Comments

[ravena-kade.livejournal.com]

The family history may not count for much, but they are good stories =) We don't know anything about my family beyond the grand parents.

[kismets-kiss.livejournal.com]

I think it's great that you know your family history. I also think holidays should be celebrated in your own unique way! So score for you!

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

supposedly i had grand-uncles on both sides of both world wars. i kind of like your stories better. *wry grin*

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

My mother's father was in WWI in both the Army (until he caught pnuemonia and damaged his lungs) and the Navy (where apparently you don't have to worry about being cold or wet).

My father was in WWII and hated it. He tried to dodge the draft but didn't make it, even though his uncle ran the draft.

But, both were on the US side.
As far as I know, I don't have any family members who fought against the US.
But, it is certainly possible.

[malterre.livejournal.com]

There is a very funny "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" episode you should see...

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

i was about to say that i always thought about trying to catch an episode or two of that show because i adore Betty White... but realized i'm confusing it with Hot in Cleveland once i googled the former. i'm not sure i'd find IASIP funny, given this synopsis: The show features the cast as self-centered owners of Paddy's Irish Pub in Philadelphia who will do just about anything, no matter how reprehensible, in an attempt to better their own situation.

still... which ep?

[pallid-regina.livejournal.com]

Did you tell anyone you had smallpox yesterday? That would be a fun tradition.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I can honestly say I have told it to everyone who tried to lock me in a prison ship in Boston harbor.
And, just in case it ever happens, I promise to continue the tradition.

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

right up until the FBI agents tasered him and dragged him off, yep.

[cissa.livejournal.com]

One of J's ancestors was a preacher thrown out of the Colonies for being too annoying. :)