Tracy Morgan has been left in awe after learning his great-grandfather was drafted to fight in World War I in 1917.
In a revealing moment, Morgan, aged 55, was visibly moved as Henry Louis Gates Jr., aged 73, shared the historical details with him on this week’s Finding Your Roots, recounting, “Your great-grandfather Julius registered for the draft, and you know what was happening at that time? World War I.”
With astonishment, Morgan re-echoed the revelation on whether his great-grandfather fought in World War I, according to Carroll Times Herald. Gates prompted further exploration, asking Morgan to read the transcription in a white box on the page, to enable him to continue the journey of discovery.
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“Turn the page. Let’s see,” Gates continues. “Tracy, would you please read the transcription in that white box?”
“Date of sailing. September 29, 1918,” Morgan reads. “Port of embarkation: Hoboken, New Jersey. Name: Alexander Julius. Rank: Private.”
“You got it right. Your great-grandfather was not only drafted, he got shipped out to France,” Gates replies.
“How’s that make you feel?” The comedian, who became emotional with tears welling up as his voice became strained, expressed pride in the feat chalked by his great-grandfather. He expressed the wish all the males in his family could share in this moment with him.
During the same episode of Finding Your Roots, Morgan also discovered that he shares a genetic kinship with his friend Nas. This revelation was previously disclosed by the comedian during a conversation on the Connect the Dots podcast in December.
“I turn the last page, and guess who’s sitting there? Nas. Me and Nas are third cousins on my mom’s side,” Morgan said at the time.
“But me and Esco was always tight before that,” he added. “I did a show years ago on Comedy Central called One Mic, that was for Nas’s mom that just passed away. So me and Esco always been tight.”
Morgan recounted calling his longtime friend Nas to share the unexpected revelation. He vividly recalled the moment on the West Side Highway after a show, informing Nas that they were related through Finding Your Roots.
According to him, they both became emotional as they exchanged heartfelt sentiments, reaffirming their bond with promises of mutual support whenever needed.
