Lansky's Plays Unique Role in Medal of Honor Ceremony
A 26-year old Kentuckian received the award of a lifetime as Dakota Meyer's military heroics took center stage at a rare Medal of Honor ceremony held at the White House on Thursday. But, one Memphian can stand proud in knowing he had a big hand in making sure Meyer looked his best for the big moment.
Hal Lansky doesn't exactly know how his store was chosen for a top secret assignment from the pentagon. However, considering the storied history and the reputation of his family's business, he shouldn't be surprised why he was asked to help a hero look his best.
During his two year stint in the Army, Elvis Presley depended on good ole' Uncle Sam to provide his military wardrobe. Of course before and after his military hitch, the fancy duds the King of Rock N' Roll donned on stage were the custom-made eye-popping creations of famed Memphis clothier Lansky's. But, imagine Hal Lansky's surprise when weeks ago he got an urgent call for assistance from one of the most unlikely of places to find purveyors of fashion.
"About 4 or 5 weeks ago I got a call from the Pentagon. They said they need my help. So, I didn't know what they wanted, I kind of figured it might be something involved with clothing."
Through a series of cryptic top secret phone calls dominated by military time jargon, Lansky was ready when a group Marines arrived with a VIP in tow.
"They brought in Dakota Meyer... the Medal of Honor recipient."
Yes, THAT Dakota Meyer who on Thursday received the military's highest award from President Barak Obama. THAT Dakota Meyer who in September 2009 charged through a six-hour firefight with Taliban troops in Afghanistan to save the lives of 36 of his fellow soldiers, despite being shot himself. THAT Dakota Meyer who managed to stand still long enough for Hal Lansky to get out his measuring tape and create magic within military fashion specs.
"When we finished up we faxed the information and sizes to the Marine headquarters. I guess they have a uniform division that makes all the dress clothing and of course they wanted Dakota to look good for the Commander in Chief... I'll be looking at the news tonight and see if our measurements came out correctly."
To no one's surprise, it looked great. But, what would you expect from a Memphis institution dedicated to the idea of whether a King or a Hero, clothes still make the man.
Comments
Post a Comment