My father, Harrison O. Bush Jr., served in World War II shortly after graduation from Suffern High School, arriving at age 18 in Europe on July 2, 1944.
Harrison saw active duty in Co. B 330th Reg-83rd Infantry Division from 1944-1946 earning the rank of Sargeant. He is also a Purple Heart recipient.
Returning home on June 8, 1946, Harrison attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, as an undergraduate and received a Master's Degree in Colonial History from Columbia University.
In 2015, Harrison participated in the Hudson Valley Honor Flight to Washington, DC. As part of the trip, family, friends, colleagues and students were encouraged to write personal notes to each veteran. This Memorial Day was an opportunity to read the many notes and letters which capture the father I have been privileged to have in my life: ”We are very proud of your military service, public service, dedication to your students, and being a loyal member of your church. You have led a life of public service which should be a standard for all of us to follow.”
Other notes include sweet sentiments and drawings by Tigers of Cub Pack 415 in Nanticoke, PA, and historical preservation advocates including Orangetown Historian Mary R. Cardenas who served with Harrison on the Rockland County Historic Preservation Board.
The Friends of Harmony Hall thank Harrison for his military service and decades of public service to his community including the nascent days of the Harmony Hall preservation advocacy.