Henry Hansen Memorial Park, Somerville, MA

Dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Henry Hansen, USMC, a Somerville native who took part in the historic flag raising on Iwo Jima in 1945, this small park provides a calm respite from the surrounding city, where visitors can experience the qualities of the natural landscape. A curved concrete retaining wall carves a gathering space into the sloping site, where seating allows contemplation of a relief sculpture that recreates a historic photograph of the flag raising. The wall also features integrated lighting and a flagpole, together with informational graphic panels etched into stainless steel plates that relate Sgt. Hansen’s story, and a dedication statement honoring all of Somerville’s veterans.