On Memorial Day, we pause — or at least, we should pause — to remember those who have given their lives for American liberty. I think this should include not only those who have been killed or wounded on the battlefield, but those who have given their lives in other ways. For example:
Alexander Graydon of Pennsylvania left his fiancee behind when he left to serve in the American army in the early days of the Revolution. He was later captured by the British.
Joseph Hodgkins of Massachusetts, a married man with children, served four years in the army, while his wife, Sarah, took on the full responsibility of running their home and farm.
John Joseph Henry of Pennsylvania was crippled by disease as a result of the hardships he suffered as a soldier and prisoner of war in Canada.
Israel R. Potter of Rhode Island escaped after being captured by the British, but was unable to return to America for decades.
All over the country, people lost their homes, businesses, family members, and livelihoods.
We may think that we know something about war and the sacrifice and sorrow that it brings; after all, the United States has had soldiers at war for years now, and there are plenty of veterans of earlier wars still alive. But the people of the Revolution knew what it was like to have a war in their own homeland — even on their own doorsteps. As we observe Memorial Day, it’s worthwhile to remember those who did not die in battle, but who still sacrificed their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
