As commander of the American Legion, Jack Henry Post 1 in Anchorage, I am pleased to report that long-overdue recognition for John K. “Jack” Henry will soon become a reality. That recognition is the engraving of his name on the Anchorage Veterans’ Memorial at Delaney Park as the first Anchorage resident killed in action in World War I.
U.S. Army Private Jack Henry was killed in France in the Argonne by machine-gun fire on Sept. 29, 1918. American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 was named for him at its founding on Sept. 19, 1919, 105 years ago. The Jack Henry Post 1 family, including Auxiliary Unit 1, Sons Squadron 1 and the Riders group, greatly appreciate the work of the municipal Military and Veterans Affairs Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Parks and Rec staff for acting on our petition to have Henry’s name added to the memorial. Like the rest of those memorialized at Delaney Park, Jack Henry’s short life embodied the priceless notions of service and sacrifice for our nation.
— Charlene Martin
Eagle River
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