As countless Americans serve the nation while sacrificing this anniversary, the US Navy veteran who lost his home in the Palisade Fire was respected in a special way on Monday.
John Lene, 93, served as a radio operator and cryptoist during the Korean War. He was one of several veterans who were recognized at a special event at Ivy Park in Playa Vista. His home was moved after it was destroyed by a wildfire in January.
“All the memories we accumulated with our kids, with our home, with our lives, all of them have been lost,” Lene said.
Lehne lived in Pallisard, the Pacific Ocean for over 60 years before the flames began. Memorials from his time past in photographs of the Navy and family have been lost to the flames.
“I’m sorry, but I’m very, very sorry for losing all of that,” he said. “But one good thing is that we have everything in our minds and our hearts. It never goes away.”
Lene said he was touched on not only that his new community embraced him, but also wanted to celebrate his contribution to the country because of what the holidays mean to him.
“Anniversary to me means a very wonderful way to thank you, and how much we appreciate all the men and women who have served in the US military, how we appreciate how they put their lives on the line and how they appreciate giving their lives,” he said.
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