After listening to President Obama’s speech, which contained many references to American sacrifices for peace and freedom, I remembered as a child, being told of ancestors, who fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
About two years ago, I traveled to South Glastonbury, CT, and located the acid rain-damaged tombstone at Still Hill Cemetery where my 4th great grandfather, Solomon Chappell, a Revolutionary soldier, is buried. It sent chills up my spine, as I have always been an avid student of American History and a great admirer of those who have served in our military. Later, Solomon’s grandson, Ira S. Chappell, served in Company E, 1st infantry, Michigan, during the Civil War and has a marker in Portville, NY. Both men survived the wars and went on to marry and raise children. As a result of my family's military history, I felt especially moved by the following paragraphs of President Obama’s speech:
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
I am looking forward to the great changes that will take place in our country over the next four years and my prayers are with our new Commander in Chief:
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