This post is dedicated to my father, Rudy Hanson.
When I was a little kid, I hung out in my dad’s basement workshop, watching him work. He kept army green sleeping bags there, and when I asked about them, he told me about trying to sleep in the freezing cold of Alaska and Korea. He explained that he had been in the Korean War. In the U.S. Army. I didn’t understand too much, although he shared some apocryphal stories about ears being bitten off and seeing it rain fish.
I’m not sure I understand too much more today, but I have the deepest respect for my father serving in the United States Army.
Dad looks so young in his official Army portrait. And below.
Thank you for your service, Dad! xo
My father and other veterans are honored with bricks with their names at the Rose Park Veterans Memorial Park–a memorial park which my father and the Kalamazoo Sunrise Rotary Club were instrumental in bringing to the city.
My daughter points toward her grandpa’s name on the park plaque.
And here she is by the beautiful U.S. Army memorial at the park.
At long last, my dad has the medals he earned from serving our country in the Korean War.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, DAD!!!!
Dad has a twin brother, too–my Uncle Frank Hanson. He was in the U.S. Navy.
I hope Uncle Frank has a good Father’s Day, as well.
We’re coming up on the twins’ half birthday. Since their birthdays are the day after Christmas, they like to celebrate in June. I thought this was a phenomenon unique to my family, until I just this moment discovered that the event warrants a Wikipedia entry!
The Family Kalamazoo 