We are a nation unaware of family history. These remarks are given to inspire those who will remember family history with appreciation, For without any given link to your parentage deleted, you do not exist physically — what I’m referring to is  those tangible actions of family recorded.

Watching the T V program offered by Genealogist Mr. Gates on the lives of celebrities — he interviewed singer/actor Harry Connick Jr. from New Orleans La., surprising him with the knowledge that his great-grandfather fought for the Confederacy in the American Civil War where 620,000 Americans died. Mr. Connick remarked, “You’re kidding — I’m so ashamed to know that my great-grandfather fought for the South” … This commentary from a person that has no knowledge of family history or American history. A war caused by special interest — anti slavery abolitionist, pushing a commodity tax of 38% on all southern states on goods produced and shipped to a northern destination. This tax was in violation of the U. S. Constitution, which states “No tax shall be laid on goods shipped to another state.” Pres. Buchannan signed the illegal law after increasing the bill to 41% before signing it into law. Slavery did end, but by no action of the Abolitionist. Slavery ended by Congressional action. (The 620,000 death count remains.)

If we are unaware of our family history, if our lives and without leaving any acts of significance, preferably something in writing that tells heirs who you are. A  lawyer friend that offered his services to my family often talked about his legacy, a written legacy. A legacy which I contributed to, by writing stories of his granddaughter which he relayed in conversation. He died — I have no knowledge of what his family did with his legacy writings. I sincerely hope his memories were  recognized and saved for posterity.

My cousin responded in conversation about our common great-grandfathers’ journal written so dutifully in calligraphy. “I’ve never heard anything about his journal.” Like most people today, my cousin’s life centered around formative years of pleasure, years obtaining college degrees a LLB degree, more recently as the managing partner in a 200-year-old law firm.

Remember and honor your forebears, lest you be counted among the forgotten.

Tom Rogers

Moultrie