The Meaning of "Home"

This past weekend was a proud moment for the Hansen family.  My great uncle, Dale M. Hansen, was honored for his service during WWII at a special ceremony organized by the American Legion Riders on Sunday at the Wisner, NE cemetery.  The following is the citation he received upon being awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1946:

Medal of Honor citation of Private Dale M. Hansen, USMC (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 200):

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 7 May 1945. Cool and courageous in combat, Private Hansen unhesitatingly took the initiative during a critical stage of the action and, armed with a rocket launcher, crawled to an exposed position where he attacked and destroyed a strategically located hostile pillbox. With his weapon subsequently destroyed by enemy fire, he seized a rifle and continued his one-man assault. Reaching the crest of a ridge, he leaped across, opened fire on six Japanese and killed four before his rifle jammed. Attacked by the remaining two Japanese, he beat them off with the butt of his rifle and then climbed back to cover. Promptly returning with another weapon and supply of grenades, he fearlessly advanced, destroyed a strong mortar position and annihilated eight more of the enemy. In the forefront of battle throughout this bitterly waged engagement, Private Hansen, by his indomitable determination, bold tactics and complete disregard of all personal danger, contributed essentially to the success of his company's mission and to the ultimate capture of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His great personal valor in the face of extreme peril reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

From the riders to the flags to the reception afterwards, it was quite a spectacular event to witness.  My husband and I had the privilege of offering our home as a gathering place for not only our family, but the riders who gave their time and talents to a soldier and a family they had never met.  The experience was humbling.  Without a doubt, it made me proud to be a part of this ceremony, and it made me proud to be able to offer our home to those who gave so much to my family.  If only for a little while, everybody was able to come together, cool down, and visit with family and friends whom they had not seen in ages.  It was a wonderful experience, and I only hope that you have such memories to share with your family in your own home.  Welcome Home.