Written by: Robin Currie
A very personal note from the President’s desk
Memorial Day, May 26, 2025
Over the past few months, some interesting historical and genealogical information has become known to me. One of my nieces has officially become a registered member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is definitively traced back on both her mother’s side, and her father’s (Currie) side. Additionally, she is credited with discovering an American Patriot who had not yet been connected to any living descendants.
On April 19, 1775, Paul Revere raced from Boston out through the surrounding areas to warn residents of the approaching British forces. In Watertown Massachusetts, 24-year-old Jonas White made the pre-dawn trip to Lexington, fought bravely, and survived the battle that has marked the official beginning of the American Revolution. Jonas lived to be in his late 70’s and died in the Boston area. There is much information about him in town meeting records, as he was an influential business owner and local official. Jonas White was my great-grandfather going back five generations.
Skip a generation and meet Nathaniel White, Jonas’ grandson. Nathaniel was an avid abolitionist, and some documents indicate that he worked alongside Frederick Douglass, during Douglass’ time in Boston. During the Civil War, in 1864, Nathaniel volunteered for 100 days of service in Massachusetts 42nd Regiment. He was in his mid 40’s. He was captured and held in a Prisoner of War camp in Texas and was released after the war ended. Although he survived the war, my great, great, great grandfather Nathaniel had suffered injury and trauma that eventually led to a tragic and early end for him.
Skip a generation and meet Robert Clement Currie, my grandfather. Papa served in World War II, leaving behind a happy existence in Boston as a driver for all types of public transit. He also survived the war, and I was raised listening to some of his stories as though they were adventures, too young to understand the gravity of the war. Today, my brother lovingly keeps Papa’s discharge papers, identification tags, the buttons of his uniform coat, and other treasures.
Skip a generation and here am I. My dream is to end all forms of human trafficking and what we call modern day slavery. I continue the fight for “freedom and justice for all”. I believe in the ideals that inspired my ancestors to leave their homes, businesses and children, to take up a cause—both for themselves and for others.
This Memorial Day has me reflecting, ruminating, planning, and wondering if Grandfather Jonas, Grampa Nathaniel and Papa would be proud. Or would they expect nothing less from me than the willingness to fight the good fight. The fight looks different today, at least for me and from my worldview as an American. But I remind myself that we are here because of the dedicated work of the visionaries that went before us, seeking a better way and a better world. My fight won’t be with horses, guns, and on a battlefield but I must work to ensure all the freedoms that the Revolutionaries fought for are preserved. I battle the ongoing oppression and exploitation of populations without voice. And I ask the ancestors to guide me through the next season of my life and encourage me as I take up the mantle of their example and their victory.
In memory of all who served,
Robin P. Currie