FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Jack Rasey was only 4 years old when his father was killed while serving in the Army during World War II.

Even at age 67, Rasey still misses him greatly, unable to shake the heartache that has lingered for more than six decades since Pfc. Jack G. Rasey died from shrapnel wounds sustained in Germany in 1945.

So in remembrance of his father, the younger Rasey recently purchased a 20-by-30-foot U.S. flag for $800 and donated it to Muskegon County's Fruitport Township, which flies it near the busy interchange of Interstate 96 and U.S. 131.

The enormous flag replaced one that had fallen victim to the elements since being bought by the township shortly after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"I wanted to do something to honor him," Rasey told The Muskegon Chronicle for a story published Monday.

He treasures his father's mementos, which include dozens of photographs, some handwritten letters to his mother and the flag that draped over the soldier's casket.

He also has some memories of his father, such as his bright auburn hair and his striking smile. He remembers seeing his father for the last time, leaving on a bus for his Army base before being deployed to Europe in 1944.

The elder Rasey was just 26 when he died.

"I have a lot of pride that he was willing to leave his family and fight for his country," his son said. "He was one of many, many, many who did that. It doesn't make him any greater than others that left their families to go, but he was my dad."

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Information from: The Muskegon Chronicle, http://www.mlive.com/chronicle