I have a deep connection with Resurrection Cemetery a Catholic Cemetery, in Clinton Township, Michigan. Dating back to 1987 where my mother was buried and in 2023 my father. It's not just a resting place for my mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, and my parents; it's a place that holds countless memories for me and my family.

My passion extends to volunteering in cemeteries across Northern Virginia and Central Virginia, near Washington, D.C. From 2009 to 2022, I dedicated my time to a historic church surrounded by a cemetery. This church, constructed by Irish railroad workers on land generously donated by Irish families, embodies the simple yet profound spirit of community.

One of my most cherished places is Saint Mary of Sorrows, Catholic Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia. This historic church played a crucial role during the Civil War, serving as a sanctuary for wounded soldiers brought here by train after the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas, Virginia) in late August 1862. It's a place where volunteer Clara Barton, an employee of the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, tended to the wounded and later went on to found the American Red Cross in 1881.

St. Mary's Church gained recognition when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Although a new primary parish center was built in 1980 a few miles away, the historic church remains a vibrant part of the community. Each year, we come together for the Labor Day picnic, an event steeped in tradition and held primarily in the church's graveyard. It's one of the oldest celebrations in the county and a testament to the enduring spirit of this place.

St. Mary's Church is not just a church; it's part of the broader parish of St. Mary of the Sorrows, which includes three church buildings. My roots here run deep, with my third great-grandfather from Ireland marrying my third great-grandmother from Virginia. Their connection to this church is profound, as their family contributed to building this historic church 165 years ago. It stands as a testament to the dedication of Irish railroad workers and the generosity of Irish families who donated the land.

As a proud member of the (Irish) Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Italian Heritage Society for Saint Mary of the Sorrows Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia, I feel a strong bond with this place and its rich history. Notably, during the Civil War, when Saint Mary's was damaged by the Confederate army, it was the President of the United States who authorized a check to repair this humble wooden church. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time government money had ever been spent on a church in the United States. Even during the 2011 earthquake, this historic church was restored through community support, setting it apart from the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., which has never received federal government funds for repairs.

My dedication to preserving US history extends beyond Virginia to cemeteries and churches in Michigan, Virginia, and Washington D.C. These sacred places hold not only the stories of individuals but also the tapestry of United States history. Over three decades, I've been committed to genealogy work, investing significant time in churches, cemeteries, and online libraries to ensure that future generations have access to our rich heritage. This is my family history, and I'm passionate about preserving it for the United States and the world.

I have a deep connection with Resurrection Cemetery a Catholic Cemetery, in Clinton Township, Michigan. Dating back to 1987 where my mother was buried and in 2023 my father. It's not just a resting place for my mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, and my parents; it's a place that holds countless memories for me and my family.

My passion extends to volunteering in cemeteries across Northern Virginia and Central Virginia, near Washington, D.C. From 2009 to 2022, I dedicated my time to a historic church surrounded by a cemetery. This church, constructed by Irish railroad workers on land generously donated by Irish families, embodies the simple yet profound spirit of community.

One of my most cherished places is Saint Mary of Sorrows, Catholic Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia. This historic church played a crucial role during the Civil War, serving as a sanctuary for wounded soldiers brought here by train after the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas, Virginia) in late August 1862. It's a place where volunteer Clara Barton, an employee of the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, tended to the wounded and later went on to found the American Red Cross in 1881.

St. Mary's Church gained recognition when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Although a new primary parish center was built in 1980 a few miles away, the historic church remains a vibrant part of the community. Each year, we come together for the Labor Day picnic, an event steeped in tradition and held primarily in the church's graveyard. It's one of the oldest celebrations in the county and a testament to the enduring spirit of this place.

St. Mary's Church is not just a church; it's part of the broader parish of St. Mary of the Sorrows, which includes three church buildings. My roots here run deep, with my third great-grandfather from Ireland marrying my third great-grandmother from Virginia. Their connection to this church is profound, as their family contributed to building this historic church 165 years ago. It stands as a testament to the dedication of Irish railroad workers and the generosity of Irish families who donated the land.

As a proud member of the (Irish) Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Italian Heritage Society for Saint Mary of the Sorrows Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia, I feel a strong bond with this place and its rich history. Notably, during the Civil War, when Saint Mary's was damaged by the Confederate army, it was the President of the United States who authorized a check to repair this humble wooden church. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time government money had ever been spent on a church in the United States. Even during the 2011 earthquake, this historic church was restored through community support, setting it apart from the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., which has never received federal government funds for repairs.

My dedication to preserving US history extends beyond Virginia to cemeteries and churches in Michigan, Virginia, and Washington D.C. These sacred places hold not only the stories of individuals but also the tapestry of United States history. Over three decades, I've been committed to genealogy work, investing significant time in churches, cemeteries, and online libraries to ensure that future generations have access to our rich heritage. This is my family history, and I'm passionate about preserving it for the United States and the world.