Sahm Dai Gweilo — Google says the Cantonese word for three is Sahm. Depending on the context Dai might mean family generations. Gweilo translates as western men so I’m hoping this is how you’d represent my three generations of men — in China.
Walter Fearnley b 1911 joined the US Navy in 1927. Too young to enlist, his father accompanied and gave permission. Walter was awarded the Yantze Service Medal in 1933. Family lore: Walter patrolling on the Great Wall of China.
Milton Ray Smith b 1937 joined the US Navy in 1953. Fresh from high school looking for a way to further his education, Milt sailed the world during his tour of duty including time exploring China.
Gerrit Dean Smith b 2005 serving a church mission. Like great grandfather and grandfather, Gerrit, a teenager, is living in China. Gerrit was excited to follow in both his great and grandfather’s footsteps.
Author’s note: I put this together for a Roots Tech photo/story contest. And yes, I know the picture of Milt is actually in Japan, but I thought this was more interesting than the church sign in Chinese. As a bonus, here is Gerrit arriving in Hong Kong this week:
So good to see that he got there. Can hardly wait to hear from him to see how he is doing. I know he will be a great missionary. What a wonderful way to connect him to his ancestors.
Good job, Shannon! That airport looks vaguely familiar, but then hard to tell since they all look alike. And it was 8 years ago now that I was there.
It makes me happy to see Elder Gerrit looking so ready to go and so happy to be there! We are so very proud of him, and know he will be a blessing to all he meets! We also know his testimony is maturing each day as he testifies of the truth he has brought to share! The family is receiving blessings as he serves!
Thanks for making me two years younger but they didn’t really let me join the Navy at 16. I was born in 1935 so I am older than you thought!