Every year at the end of May, cemeteries get mowed and American flags get set on the graves of those who have served in our country’s military. Some towns have parades, many have ceremonies to commemorate soldiers with prayers and gun salutes, and families gather for cookouts. While all these activities are important ways to mark this day on the calendar, it’s also important to consider the individuals and the impact of service on their lives. Today I share three generations of men in the Kincaid family who proudly served our country.

John Kincaid (1762/4-1840) was my 5th-great-grandfather. John enlisted in the Revolutionary War in 1779, serving as a private in Col. McCobb’s Regiment under Captains Hinkley and Lemont. A few years later, John married Susan Dracutt and started his family (9 children born between 1791 and 1815). John and his family lived in Pownalborough in 1790, Norridgewock in 1800, and Malta which is now known as Windsor in 1820 and 1830. In 1813, John enlisted in the U.S. Infantry, leaving his wife to run the home and care for the children. While on duty as a guard to a baggage wagon near Chatauqua Woods in New York, John sustained a serious injury to his left leg, a wound that never quite healed properly. John was discharged, received a pension, and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Augusta.

Guy Kincaid (1799-1860), the 5th child of John and Susan (Dracutt) Kincaid, was my 4th-great-grandfather. Guy enlisted in the Army Infantry in 1818, a few years before he married Sarah Creasey. Guy and Sarah had ten children between 1822 and 1845. They lived in Whitefield in 1830, Vassalboro in 1840, Augusta in 1850, and Wayne in 1860. Though Guy did not serve in conflict, nor do we know where he and his wife are buried, his service does not go unnoticed.

Hiram Kincaid (1824-1877), the 2nd child of Guy and Sarah (Creasey) Kincaid, was my 3rd-great-grandfather. Hiram married Lovicia Cook in 1845 and supported his family (ten children born between 1848 and 1868) by working in local mills including a saw mill. The family lived in Mount Vernon in 1850, Wayne in 1860, and Livermore in 1870. In 1861, Hiram mustered for Civil War service in Company K, 3rd Infantry, 2nd Calvary. He was discharged from service in 1862 with a disability for which he received a pension. He was an invalid by 1865. Hiram is buried in the Richardson Cemetery in Livermore Falls with his wife Lovicia.

These three individuals were husbands, sons, and fathers – generations of service to others. While it’s important to remember the battles and to see fields of flags waving in the breeze, it also helps honor our soldiers to remember the stories about sacrifices made for their families and our country.