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“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of soldier who died protecting it.” Unknown

Memorial Day was a beautiful day to celebrate, remember and honor those who gave their lives protecting our freedoms. Chesterfield Township held its first ever Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023. The ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Chesterfield Township Municipal Complex. 

The Ceremony opened with members of Boy Scout Troop 55 Color Guard posting the Colors, raising the American Flag to half-mast. Committeeman Matt Litt addressed ceremony attendees with a heartfelt speech recognizing the significance of Memorial Day and all service members who have made the supreme sacrifice with their lives defending the freedoms of Americans. He specifically recognized the four Chesterfield residents who were killed in the line of duty, Harry J. Chapman, killed in WWI, Norman E. Parker, and Harold M. Tucker both killed in WWII and John F Bradman killed in Vietnam. Committeeman Litt, with research assistance from members of the Chesterfield Township Historical Society was able to relay some life history of those fallen heroes, Harry J Chapman who enlisted at the age of 23. While this was the first Memorial Day Ceremony held in Chesterfield, Committeeman Litt expressed his hope that it would not be the last and will be the beginning of a longstanding tradition in Chesterfield. 

Mayor Denise Koetas-Dale spoke about the history of Memorial Day and looks forward to future ceremonies of this kind. Pastor Coughlin offered some opening and closing thoughts and then the members of Boy Scout Troop 55 ceremoniously removed the colors to end the ceremony leaving the American flag flying at half-mast, fluttering against the tranquil back drop of blue skies.  

Mr. Litt thanked Scout Troop 55, Daniel Wolverton, Rachel Fryc, Pastor Coughlin, Mayor Denise Koetas-Dale who played a part in planning and or participating in this ceremony. If any residents have any information to share on any of the four fallen soldiers from Chesterfield that could be shared at future ceremonies, please contact Committeeman Matthew Litt via email.