Ep 13. War Stories

In the season 6 episode 13 of Finding Your Roots, titled "War Stories," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves deep into the military histories of three famous guests: journalist Gayle King, chef Marcus Samuelsson, and actor Sterling K. Brown.

The episode begins with Gates tracing King's roots back to her great-grandfather, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. From there, he uncovers surprising information about her ancestors' roles in both World War I and World War II, including a great-uncle who was a Tuskegee Airman and a grandfather who was a Buffalo Soldier. King is visibly moved as she learns more about the remarkable sacrifices her family has made for their country.

Next, Samuelsson shares his poignant and powerful family history, which includes both tragedy and triumph. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, Samuelsson explains how his grandmother was killed during Ethiopia's civil war, prompting his mother to flee the country in search of a new life. Moving to Sweden, Samuelsson's mother married a white Swedish man, and faced discrimination from society for their mixed-race family. Samuelsson's grandfather was a soldier in Ethiopia's defense force, and he discovers that his great-grandfather was also a military man, who fought against the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s.

Finally, Brown shares his family's history of service, including his father's experience as a Vietnam War veteran. Brown is especially touched by the story of his grandfather, who served in World War II and was a part of the liberating forces who arrived at the Dachau concentration camp. Gates shares with Brown the unforgettable story of his grandfather's experience at Dachau, and how it impacted him for the rest of his life.

Throughout the episode, Gates highlights the role of African-American soldiers in US military history, and how their service has often been overlooked or undervalued. He also explores the challenges and traumas that military service members and their families face, both during wartime and in the aftermath. As always, the show provides a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant look at the ways in which our family histories shape our identities and our understanding of the world around us.

Overall, "War Stories" is a powerful and moving episode of Finding Your Roots, one that offers a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices and struggles of those who have served in the military. With its blend of genealogical research and personal storytelling, it reminds us of the complex and interconnected nature of family history, and how the stories of our ancestors can inspire and inform our own lives.