Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army PFC Ernest French Jr, Age 85 of Thorntown, IN.
Died Feb. 15, 2013
WWII Army Veteran Private 1st Class Ernest French Jr, Age 85 of Ladoga, IN.
Died Feb. 15, 2013 in Indiana and is burried in Ladoga, IN. in his home town.
Dad was born in Ladoga, Indiana. He was drafted into the Army on July 30, 1945. He served 1 year and 5months.
He was assigned to the 2101st area service unit. He was a Private First Class and was assigned to the Seperation Center at Fort George G Meade, MD.
His Military Occupational Specialty was Finance Clerk and he was qualified on the MKM M-1 Rifle. His awards included the World War II Victory Ribbon and Lapel Button issued for no days lost under AW 107.
When dad got out of the Army he worked in the oil fields in California for a little while before coming back home to Ladoga, Indiana to work on the farm with is dad. He worked in a factory (Detroit Diesel Allisons) in Indianapolis, IN for 30 years.
After retirement he moved to Crossville, TN. Lived there for several years before moving back to Thorntown, Indiana.
Dad loved to grow fruit trees and he loved his garden. When we lived in Colfax, Indiana he had a big garden the size of three city lots. He supplied vegetables to a lot of the older folks in the area who could not get out.
We had a great 16.91 Mile walk today. We walked up town to the War Memorial Park and then headed out East First Street and turned north on Peavine Road. We made a left onto Fire Tower Road and another left on Fox Creed Road. I had a big surprise when we reached my fathers old home. The place was empty and up for sale. The Gazebo was still their that My wife and I got married in almost 28 years ago. I got to go up to the house and look around. It really looked different then what it looked like 30 years ago. A lot of good memories. We then headed back to the house. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today and I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero today. I am sure dad would have liked the walk. Today we had 410 honks. It was amazing. Thank you !
WWII Army Veteran Private 1st Class Ernest French Jr , My father, will not be forgotten !
