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Remember the sacrifices of our ancestors

Commentary.

My grandpa’s ancestors settled in Scott County, Illinois in the early 1800’s. Although his first love was hunting, my great-great-great-great grandfather Jonathon who had first settled in Kentucky before moving west where he farmed and raised cattle.

Across the road from Grandpa’s house is Young’s Cemetery. As children, my sister Debbie and I would walk among the tombstones and wonder about the people – our people – our ancestors – whose names are etched upon the stone markers. We’d imagine we were with Jonathon and Elizabeth, true pioneers, as they encountered wolves, bears and who knows what other threats to the safety of their family as they settled the land.

As time passes and our own life’s stories are written, we should do our best to keep the stories of our ancestors alive. Never forget what those who came before us sacrificed to make a good life for us.

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