The City of Somervelle recently held a rededication ribbon cutting ceremony at Henry Hansen Memorial Park to pay tribute to our local veterans. — Photos courtesy of City of Somerville

A community space that pays tribute to those who put their lives on the line for our freedom

By The Times Staff

Honoring veterans and remembering soldiers of Somerville who served in the U.S. Armed Forces protects their legacy and inspires future generations to learn from the past to safeguard the future.

The city held a rededication ribbon cutting ceremony on November 7 at Henry Hansen Memorial Park to pay tribute to veterans for their service and sacrifice.

The park is dedicated to native Marine Sgt. Henry O. “Hank” Hansen and all Somerville veterans who are willing to sacrifice their lives to preserve our country’s democracy and freedoms, said Arn Franzen, Senior Project Manager of Parks and Open Space.

“Today we remember and pay tribute to Sgt. Henry Hansen, a son of Somerville, who gave his life in service during World War II,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “His bravery and sacrifices deserve lasting recognition.”

Sgt. Henry O. “Hank” Hansen was a Magoun Square resident killed in action just one week after participating in the first flag-raising on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi.

The park, located at 70 Partridge Ave., at the corner of Medford Street, was designed where community members can gather, reflect and enjoy their surroundings. The park features a garden, benches, a granite memorial tablet and a sculpture “tree” bearing information about World War II.

The memorial wall at the park prominently honors Sgt. Hansen’s life and service. New plaques recognize each of the branches of the U.S. Armed Services – a reminder of all the many men and women who have served in different capacities with courage and dedication.

The wall reads: “This Park is dedicated to the memory of United States Marine Corps Sergeant and Magoun Square native Henry Hansen, as well as to honor the sacrifice and memory of all the residents of Somerville who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces.”

The addition of the seating walls, benches and café tables invite neighbors and visitors to pause and spend time. A water bottle filler station was also added to encourage sustainability.

Henry Hansen Memorial Park was originally developed in 2005 by the Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services, and it featured wood informational displays and a granite memorial to honor Somerville native, Sgt. Henry Hansen.

“It is a place that not only honors our past but also looks towards our future,” said Mayor Ballantyne.

In keeping with Somerville’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the city designed the park with permeable surfaces to improve stormwater management, LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and 100 percent native planting to support the city’s sustainability goals.

“How wonderful to have a park designed that pays tribute to our veterans and also at the same time creates this wonderful place for our community members to gather, to connect and to enjoy being part of this wonderful community,” said Ward 5 City Councilor Naima Sait.

Director of Veterans’ Services Jerome Thomas thanked everybody who helped in the process. “It’s a beautiful location,” Thomas said. “It’s an honor to be able to do this right around Veterans Day.”

Henry Oliver “Hank” Hansen was born December 14, 1919 to Henry T. and Madeline T. (Dwyer) Hansen of Alpine Street in Somerville. He grew up on Nashua Street in Magoun Square with three brothers and one sister, and attended Somerville schools. After he graduated in 1938, Hansen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Sergeant during World War II. He was one of the members of the combat patrol that climbed, captured and raised the first of two U.S. flags atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.

Two of Sgt. Hansen’s family members were in attendance at the ceremony. Thomas Hansen, nephew of Sgt. Henry Hansen said: “It’s good to see everyone here on a great day, a great celebration for a great cause.” Sgt. Hansen’s Grandnephew Patrick Stehr was also in attendance.

“Henry’s remarkable courage, dedication and sacrifice embody the very best of what it means to serve and protect,” said Grace Bryan, Historic Events Manager at the Somerville Museum.

“Hank’s patrol became part of one of the most iconic moments of WWII – the first flag raised atop Mount Suribachi,” said Bryan. “While the world remembers the second flag-raising, it was Hank and his fellow Marines who made the first one happen. That flag wasn’t just a symbol of victory; it was a symbol of the sacrifice and valor of those who fought there.”

— Photo by Bobbie Toner

Veterans’ Services initiated the renovation discussion, but oversight was provided by the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division. Construction started in May 2024.

“A lot of young people don’t know much about World War II,” said Luisa Oliveira, Director of Public Space and Urban Forestry. “These kinds of spaces are very important to remind people about the sacrifices that have been made in the past, to get to where we are today.”

The new park design was driven by community process with funding provided by the Somerville Community Preservation Act and the Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations Communities Grant Program.

The State’s PARC Grant Administrator Melissa Cryan and Jahan Habib, Chair of the Planning Board from the Community Preservation Committee were both in attendance.

“This is a wonderful space for both neighbors and residents of Somerville to enjoy,” said Habib.

The park was designed by D.J. Chagnon and CBA Landscape Architects, LLC. The construction was completed by J.J. Phelan & Son Co., Inc.