On April 19, 2014, I wrote a little essay about a very great man: Zionist, Irishman, War Hero, Lion Killer and "godfather of the Israeli Army" Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Patterson, D.S.O. That can be viewed here .When I wrote that that, Patterson and his wife, Francis Helena, had been cremated and interred at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles, CA. According to Patterson's only living descendant, his grandson Alan, the Colonel wished for his and Francis' remains to be interred in Israel. Mr. Alan Patterson, the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Canadian Representative Todd Young, Beit HaGedidum, and the Moshav of Avihayil effort led by Ezekiel Sivak began working toward that end in 2010.
Friends, I am happy to announce that this has now occurred! With the assistance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Government, Lt. Col. J.H. Patterson D.S.O and Francis Helena Patterson (nee Gray) were re-interred at the Avihayil cemetery on December 4, 2014. They rest now with some of the men that Patterson himself commanded in the First World War. Attending the ceremony were Prime Minister Netanyahu, members of his family, military and cabinet ministers of the Israeli government, the British Ambassador, the Irish Ambassador, Alan Patterson, Jerry Klinger of the of The Jewish American Society for Historical Preservation, Ezekiel Sivak of Avihayil, representatives and descendants family members of the Jewish Legion, Christian Supporters of Israel, 350 guests and many other dignitaries. At the ceremony, Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to Patterson as the godfather of the Israeli Army. I do wish I could have been there.
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| Picture of the Reburial Ceremony |
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| Graves of John Henry and Helena Patterson in Israel |
