Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Veteran's Day


On this Veteran's Day, I thought I would share with you a special document that has been in our family over one hundred years. 

The photos are not the best...I was dealing with a lot of glare.


This is a framed certificate given to my great grandfather, Joseph Knapp, by The Grand Army of the Republic. This was an organization of Civil War veterans in Pennsylvania.

 

It is a large document 16 by 22 inches. In my lifetime, it has hung in my grandfather's office, my parent's family room and, most recently, my husband's office.

  

The colored graphics are beautiful!



But to me, the best part is the hand lettered list of the battles my great grandfather took part in...as well as the dates.



 Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia...he was even in Atlanta at one time and took part in the Battle at Big Shanty.


I wonder how he got that far south from Pennsylvania...troop train or on foot. He would have been around twenty five years old at the time. I wonder how many friends he lost, the horrors he witnessed.


He was discharged in Harrisburg on September 12th, 1865...close of the war.


Here he is decades later in his Grand Army of the Republic regalia. Wish I had that hat and those medals. I do, however, have that nose...and those ears. I see my grandfather, my father and myself when I look at this picture...there's something nice about that.


This document was presented to my great grandmother and their children on August 20, 1901. Alphonso was my grandfather.

I am so happy our family has kept this written history in it's possession all these many years. It is big and heavy all framed up, but it has made our family journey through many states, just as Joseph traveled through many states during his days as a soldier in the Civil War.


And another veteran in the family...my handsome father.

Thank you to my great grandfather. Thank you to my father. Thank you to all veterans!

Enjoy the day,
Robyn







11 comments:

  1. Here in Canada, we remember also.as we celebrate Remembrance Day and this year seems even more special.

    What a precious document that you have in your possession and all the history of your great grandfather and his amazing journey through the war, and your father as well.

    It is fitting to remember them and all those who have sacrificed so much for our countries and peace.
    Hugs,
    JB

    ReplyDelete
  2. Touching Robyn...... God bless, Hugs Francine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So glad I checked blogs between naps. What a treasure and a honor. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my gosh, Robyn. How special this is! Wow! And beautiful too! What a wonderful document to share on this Veterans Day. Love the pictures of your father and great grandfather too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Robyn,
    What a treasure you have. That is so special that it is yours. The pictures are wonderful. You did a wonderful job taking them. Thank you so much for sharing.
    What a handsome man your father was!!!
    May God bless all our veterans.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Robyn ! What fun to stumble upon your blog . It has been a pleasure to scroll through and read your posts along with viewing your wonderful pics..
    Your home is lovely with a touch of Williamsburg where I reside . What a beautiful daughter you have and how much fun you must have spending time enjoying so many places where you visit . Daughter's a true treasure !
    Looking forward to checking your blog often ;)
    Nancylee - Williamsburg , VA

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful treasures.
    How thankful I am.
    Warm Woolie Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  8. Omigosh, those documents and photos are priceless family treasures! Thank you for sharing them on such a special day where we honor those who keep us safe!

    ReplyDelete
  9. A great part of American history and your family history. What a wonderful document to have!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a wonderful piece of history to have, and in such beautiful condition! Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This was so nice to me! We have a similar document, large like yours with my great-grandfather's name, his regiment, pictures of Civil War Generals. He was from Pennsylvania too! We also have a black and white portrait of him in his uniform that almost appears to be drawn but not exactly. I should have it appraised so I could find out how it was done. I know you love your family history like I love mine!

    ReplyDelete