History and Family History have been a part of my life since I can remember. As a young boy, I can remember, my mother, grandmother, and great aunt having long discussions about events of our nation's history and the possible role our ancestors played in those events. As avid readers of historical fiction they could keep me transfixed with the stories of old. I grew up taking pride in my country and my family's contributions to that history.

Only today, can I begin to truly appreciate the sacrifices made and hardships endured of my forefathers. Even my parents, as part of the greatest generation, endured the depression only to be thrust into WWII. My mother was a real "Rosie the Riveter" at the Patterson Aircraft Plant in Patterson, New Jersey, while my father, as an officer with the 27th Signal Company, 27th Infantry Division was part of the battles of Makin, Saipan and Okinawa. It was from the boonies of Okinawa that he flew into Tokyo the third week of August 1945 to set up the equipment to broadcast the surrender ceremony to the rest of the world. Seven of eight of my Great Grandfathers fought in the Civil War. Thus far I have identified seventeen patriot ancestors, and have roots to both Jamestown and the Mayflower. Yes, I feel that I owe my ancestors a huge debt for their contributions to this great nation.

Findagrave.com is still another wonderful innovation that helps us remember those that came before, and all that they did for us. I believe the technologies of today were foreseen by prophets of old and that the Lord's plan to link man together through families is divine. (Malachi 4: 5. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.)

As I have sought my ancestors, I have been fortunate enough to experience some incredibly spiritual events that can't be explained by just coincidence, but I know from whence they come. Over thirty years of family history research have taught me that our ancestors can be with us at times and don't want to be forgotten. We ARE one great family.

My prayer and wish is that all seeking their ancestors may enjoy the same type experiences I have had.

Enjoy the hunt.

Jon Freeland

History and Family History have been a part of my life since I can remember. As a young boy, I can remember, my mother, grandmother, and great aunt having long discussions about events of our nation's history and the possible role our ancestors played in those events. As avid readers of historical fiction they could keep me transfixed with the stories of old. I grew up taking pride in my country and my family's contributions to that history.

Only today, can I begin to truly appreciate the sacrifices made and hardships endured of my forefathers. Even my parents, as part of the greatest generation, endured the depression only to be thrust into WWII. My mother was a real "Rosie the Riveter" at the Patterson Aircraft Plant in Patterson, New Jersey, while my father, as an officer with the 27th Signal Company, 27th Infantry Division was part of the battles of Makin, Saipan and Okinawa. It was from the boonies of Okinawa that he flew into Tokyo the third week of August 1945 to set up the equipment to broadcast the surrender ceremony to the rest of the world. Seven of eight of my Great Grandfathers fought in the Civil War. Thus far I have identified seventeen patriot ancestors, and have roots to both Jamestown and the Mayflower. Yes, I feel that I owe my ancestors a huge debt for their contributions to this great nation.

Findagrave.com is still another wonderful innovation that helps us remember those that came before, and all that they did for us. I believe the technologies of today were foreseen by prophets of old and that the Lord's plan to link man together through families is divine. (Malachi 4: 5. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.)

As I have sought my ancestors, I have been fortunate enough to experience some incredibly spiritual events that can't be explained by just coincidence, but I know from whence they come. Over thirty years of family history research have taught me that our ancestors can be with us at times and don't want to be forgotten. We ARE one great family.

My prayer and wish is that all seeking their ancestors may enjoy the same type experiences I have had.

Enjoy the hunt.

Jon Freeland