Remembering on Memorial Day

Memorial day is described as:  “An American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer. ”  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

On this day, I think of the many people in my family line who have sacrificed for my rights in this wonderful country called the United States of America. Some of them I  never knew and some of them I knew or know well.  I’m thankful for family pictures and records that tell me about the lives their names represent.

This is my Great Great Grandfather, Christian Moh.

There was a note in our family history that he fought 138 battles  in the Civil War.  My son recently found this obituary:

“Moh, Christian (7 SEP 1924 – 20 JAN 1907)

Christian Moh, one of the oldest residents of Clark County died Jan 20, 1907 at the home of his son L.E. Moh, near Granton.   Deceased was born Sept. 7, 1824 in Silesia Germany.  He married there [and] in 1848 immigrated to  Milwaukee in 1855.  As a soldier in the Civil War, he made a most remarkable record, enlisting first in 1861 in First Wis. Vol. re-enlisted in Ninth Wis. Vol.  For three years, and again re-enlisted in 9th U.S. Vet. Vol. Infantry, seeng in all 4 years and 7 months of service. He came to  Clark County in 1866, settling on the farm where [he] continued to live till his death.  He was the father of nine children, only two of them survive, Louis E [F?] Moh and Mrs. Fernando [Ida] Johnson. His wife died six years ago, aged 73 years. Mr. Moh was a man who had done his full share for his country, not only in fighting his battles, but also in the triumphs of peace, won by hard work in clearing up and developing a new farm in a wilderness.  The funeral was held on Wednesday of last week, Rev. Wilson Mallory officiating.”

With the help of Ancestry.com’s free military records offer this Memorial Day weekend, we found this additional record, although it states only partial information.

Here is Christian Moh with his wife:

I think of others in my family line that have served our country.

None of them died in battle, but they sacrificed parts of their lives to defend our freedoms.  My children can be proud of our family’s contribution to America’s history.

While you are enjoying your day off and grilling out, please remember that freedom isn’t free.