November 11 is the day that we stop and remember all that our servicemen and women have done for us. Veterans Day began as a result of World War I. The year after the truce was signed, Armistice Day was celebrated in the United States as a way to honor the veterans of World War I. 20 years later, Armistice Day became a federal holiday. It was after World War II that the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day.
Looking to start researching a military ancestor? Here's three tips.
1. Looking for burial information? For those who died during war or in peace there are two websites that can help. The American Battle Monuments Commission is the site to search for soldiers who are buried on foreign ground. Beginning with the American Civil War, American soldiers have been buried in foreign countries near where they have died during wartime. This website allows you to look up a soldier in their database as well as request a picture of their headstone. The Department of Veteran Affairs website has their Nationwide Gravesite Locator to find veterans buried in one of our nation’s veterans’ cemeteries. They also have limited listings for veterans buried in private cemeteries.
2. Don't overlook the importance of the FamilySearch Catalog. Conduct a keyword search to find records that have to do with a certain conflict, like World War I. Don’t forget to also conduct a place search for the state and county your soldier was from. The Family History Library has a selection of different types of records that can be of assistance to you, such as regiment histories, personnel lists, and personal narratives.
3. Of course there are the standard places to look for military files and information on veteran ancestors. The National Archives and subscription websites like Ancestry.com and Fold3 provide you with access to military files, pensions files, casualty lists and draft registrations.
1. Looking for burial information? For those who died during war or in peace there are two websites that can help. The American Battle Monuments Commission is the site to search for soldiers who are buried on foreign ground. Beginning with the American Civil War, American soldiers have been buried in foreign countries near where they have died during wartime. This website allows you to look up a soldier in their database as well as request a picture of their headstone. The Department of Veteran Affairs website has their Nationwide Gravesite Locator to find veterans buried in one of our nation’s veterans’ cemeteries. They also have limited listings for veterans buried in private cemeteries.
2. Don't overlook the importance of the FamilySearch Catalog. Conduct a keyword search to find records that have to do with a certain conflict, like World War I. Don’t forget to also conduct a place search for the state and county your soldier was from. The Family History Library has a selection of different types of records that can be of assistance to you, such as regiment histories, personnel lists, and personal narratives.
3. Of course there are the standard places to look for military files and information on veteran ancestors. The National Archives and subscription websites like Ancestry.com and Fold3 provide you with access to military files, pensions files, casualty lists and draft registrations.
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