We’re on the lookout for great anecdotes this Memorial Day, and a lot of people have been reading a thread posted by Ryan Williams of NBC News that focuses on his great-great-grandfather.
Three miles from the pristine marble rows of Arlington National Cemetery lies the grave of Army Private Hezekiah Dorsey, my great great grandfather… pic.twitter.com/7Yg2w02C5I
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
At 26, Hezekiah banded together with men enslaved at their Montgomery County plantation to escape enslavement, cross the Potomac River and join the United States Colored Troops at Camp Casey in Arlington Virginia. https://t.co/8QJx3mObEj
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
He did not know then his regiment would serve in what would be one of the last and most defining battles of the Civil War, the battle of Petersburg, Virginia. pic.twitter.com/4y7AJhkMIP
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
Injured from flying shrapnel to the chest, Dorsey recovered at a Union Hospital in Philadelphia and later returned with his regiment ensuring an end to war and the freedom of the enslaved from the Carolinas through Texas. pic.twitter.com/ZG84BK5P99
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
He returned to Arlington, Virginia a hero, with a section of Arlington named in his honor. He settling to work in the quarry’s in Georgetown, and start a family with his wife Lavinia, having thirteen children, five of whom would reach adulthood. https://t.co/JKhlUI6wAw
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
Visiting his grave, terribly faded by over 100 years of weather here at Calloway United Methodist Church (in the historically black neighborhood of Halls Hill) reminded me of the purpose of this day. pic.twitter.com/yJj8s1jROX
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
Let us commit to telling the stories of those who serve, a gravestone fades, but the legacy of the men and women like him whose service built communities, cities and livelihoods last forever. pic.twitter.com/0vv0GdNga4
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”
— Ryan Williams (@RyanWmsNBC) May 27, 2019
Great story! Thanks for sharing and to your ancestor for serving.
— Linda Bishop (@LindaBishopSLP) May 27, 2019
This is an absolutely beautiful tribute.
— Aggie's girl (@aggiesgirl5) May 27, 2019
My life has been made richer from learning the story of Hezekiah Dorsey. Thank you.
— Tweetuhtwit (@tweetuhtwit) May 27, 2019
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute.
— Dee (@Dee1127) May 27, 2019
Respect.
— John A. Nelson (@life_splendid) May 27, 2019
Related:
USA! A Tomb Sentinel wouldn’t let extreme conditions stop his ‘discipline and dedication’ to honor the fallen at Arlington https://t.co/ZtILP2gRUX
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) May 25, 2019