Hero of Iwo Jima honored
By Auditi Guha / Journal Staff
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Veterans, city officials and residents gathered in respect to a local hero as the mayor dedicated the Henry Hansen Park on Medford Street on Flag Day.
Somerville resident and Sergeant Henry O. Hansen, who was killed in action in World War II, was among the six Marines who, under fire, planted an American flag on Iwo Jima, the first flag to be raised on captured Japanese territory.
"Holding the dedication on June 14 [Flag Day] is fitting tribute to this American hero," Mayor Joe Curtatone said. "It is especially fitting to do so this year, when the 60th anniversary of D-Day is prompting all of us to pay special tribute to World War II veterans."
Curtatone also commended Alderman Sean O'Donovan for his work in making the memorial and park a reality.
The crowd of 100 blocked off half of Medford Street Monday morning to see small green plot beautified by flowers, historical pictures and writings and a stone monument.
Leon "Mickey" Curtin, former veterans services director, reminded residents to be thankful for the freedoms they enjoy as Hansen "a gentleman, a hero, will never see the fruits of what he fought for." Hansen was killed in action after Iwo Jima.
"I am very pleased [the park] came to fruition," Curtin added. "He was a deserving man and this was indicative of the spirit of Somerville."
Family member Cathy Hansen and Curtatone laid a wreath at the park, followed by bugle and gun salutes.
Middlesex Sheriff James DiPaola spoke about a soldier's code of duty and honor, and reminded public officials to execute their duties with "a clear conscience and moral obligation."
Helen Latanowich, president of the Middlesex Chapter 8 American Gold Star Mothers, thought the dedication was wonderful and well deserved. "I'm just so proud. This is beautiful and the city has done a wonderful job," she said.
"The family never expected it to be like this. [The city] did a fantastic job," added Sylvia Pinkham, who calls Hansen her uncle-in-law.
The ceremony included honor guards, the Winter Hill Community School Choir, remarks from Curtatone and O'Donovan, and a flag raising, followed by a reception at noon in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall.
http://www.townonline.com/somerville/news/local_regional/sj_covsjhansenms06172004.htm
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