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Welcome
to Patriotgranddaughter.com
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After
the events of September 11, 2001,
all of our lives were changed forever. The
terrorist attacks on our United States were the result of brainwashed
men who were taught to hate Americans and our way of life. I was
shocked and sickened by these senseless acts. How dare they come to MY
country and carry out such devastation and despair. But the shock
lasted only moments, because immediately all of America was waving
their flags and singing "God Bless America". The show of patriotism on
every corner, in every window and on every car was overwhelming. The
terrorists failed at what they had attempted. Instead of the American
people living in fear they rose to the occasion and became, once again,
a country of freedom loving Patriots.
I come from a long line of Patriots and am the 5th great-granddaughter
of Michael Hillegas, the first Treasurer of the United States and the
4th great-granddaughter of Col. John Patton, who was one of Gen. George
Washington's closest friends. I am also related to, although not
directly descended from, several other famous Americans, including
Gilbert Stuart, the portraitist who painted the image of George
Washington that we see on the $1 bill everyday; President and General
Ulysses Simpson Grant; President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and
Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr.
Even before the events of September 11th, I always got a lump in my
throat when I heard that beautiful poem by Francis Scott Key and set to
music "The Star Spangled Banner". But now I had a whole new perception
of the meaning of freedom. I began to search for my family's roots in
America.
I must confess to being humbled by all that I've learned of my
ancestors. The knowledge that I am descended from so many true American
Patriots is almost unbelievable to me. However, so many people, in
every neighborhood throughout the land could discover this in their own
families. All across America there are countless descendants of great
patriots who have stood up for what they believe in and that is what
makes our country the most wonderful place on earth. I would like to
challenge everyone that reads this to begin a search for your own
"Family of Patriots" and to pass on what you learn to future
generations so that all may appreciate what we truly have...in America.
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