Centerburg Memorial Day

CENTERBURG – This year, the Centerburg American Legion will present a special Memorial Day program on May 30 at 11 a.m. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Capt. Peter Hayden Chapman, who was killed in Vietnam while piloting a rescue helicopter in attempts to rescue Lt. Col. Hambleton. Hambleton was the director of surface-to-air countermeasures and was highly sought by the NVA due to his top-secret knowledge. Capt. Chapman was killed when his HH-53, code name Jolly Green 67, was shot down while trying to rescue Hambleton behind enemy lines. Chapman volunteered to take the mission even though he was due to rotate home. Jolly Green 67 took heavy enemy fire while attempting to enter hostile territory eventually crashing, killing all six on board.  

The ceremony will recognize Chapman's sacrifice, along with all those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. Special speakers will be CM Sgt. Samual Given, 121st Air Refueling Wing superintendent, and Brad McDavid, director of Athletic Bands, University of Washington and classmate of Chapman. 

Since 1973, Centerburg Local Schools and the Chapman family have presented an annual award to a student in honor of Chapman. Many of those award recipients will be present at the ceremony.

The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will provide music at the ceremony along with a free concert at 2 p.m. at the Centerburg High School auditorium. Seating will be provided at the cemetery, which begins at 11 a.m. on May 30.