Lost Deceased Veterans
Losing American Family History
Update: This video is helpful.
Also, keep on supporting Wreaths Across America at
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/159544/Overview/
By now, many of you have heard my interview on KFAB radio (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/669-vintage-voorhees-27091316/episode/wreaths-across-america-salute-vets-237266301/). I hope the interview has inspired people to dig deeper into their family history and preserve it. I had mentioned Find A Grave (https://www.findagrave.com/) as a way to inspire people to merely look up their deceased relatives.
As older generations die, we have a responsibility to maintain what is known about them and our families. Yet, the task can be daunting. What did your ancestors actually do? Has anyone in your family researched any of it?
In process of helping people discover their ancestry, I became aware of how many US veterans whose history may have been lost to the great unknown. Have you looked up your ancestors to see if they served in the armed forces? Do they have a grave and does their grave mention such service? Unfortunately, many go unrecognized.
If the grave marker was never made or has broken to pieces or there is no marker, you can obtain a new stone or marker. The Veterans Administration (VA) handles such requests (https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/). The cemetery might charge a small instillation fee, but many will waive it in honor of veterans. The process is fairly each and you can call the VA for assistance.