Roots Less Traveled Season 2 Episode 8 For Country and Family
- December 11, 2021
- 19 min
Roots Less Traveled season 2 episode 8 titled "For Country and Family" explores the family history of two brothers, Matt and Ryan. The two brothers embark on a journey to learn about their great-great-grandfather's service in the American Civil War.
Matt and Ryan were always curious about their family's past, but they knew very little about their great-great-grandfather, John. All they knew was that he had served in the Civil War. Eager to learn more, the brothers set off on a journey to uncover the truth about their ancestor's service and to honor his memory.
Their journey begins in Washington, D.C., where they visit the National Archives to research John's military records. With the help of a historian, they learn that John fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the deadliest battles of the war. The brothers are stunned to see the official records and the artifacts linked with their great-great-grandfather's military service.
Next, the brothers travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to visit the battlefield and pay their respects to John and all the soldiers who fought and lost their lives there. They meet with a park ranger who takes them on a tour of the battlefield and points out the exact spot where John fought.
Their journey takes them to John's hometown in Maryland, where they meet with a Civil War reenactor who helps them understand what life was like for a soldier during the war. The brothers don period clothing and participate in a reenactment, gaining a new appreciation for the hardships their ancestor endured while fighting for his country.
As the brothers continue their journey, they learn about John's life after the war. They meet his descendants and discover how his legacy lives on in their family. Along the way, they uncover fascinating stories about their family's past, including the fact that John's daughter was a suffragette and fought for women's right to vote.
The episode highlights the importance of family and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Matt and Ryan's journey is a testament to the power of family history and the impact it can have on our lives.
Overall, "For Country and Family" is a moving and educational episode that showcases the bravery and sacrifices made by soldiers during the Civil War. The episode is a reminder that our family's past is a part of who we are, and that by understanding our ancestors' experiences, we can gain a deeper appreciation for our own lives and the world around us.