My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
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 an amazing 16.15 Mile walk today. When we started this morning the temp was around 12 deg. I was prepared for the cold and had put extra cloths on. We walked threw the State Park. Dad always liked taking his friends and family that came to visit out to the state park. It was extra beautiful this morning. On our way back in town we stopped by the War Memorial Park and read a few names off the wall. We had a great walk. I didn’t get emotional till now. Trying to talk about our walk. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted. You all were so amazing. Thank you all in helping me honor my hero ! My Dad.
