Brookville American Legion unveils monument in honor of all veterans

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(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – The community came together for a Veterans Day ceremony and the unveiling of a monument in Brookville on Sunday. 

The Brookville American Legion (Bernard Hurst Post 77) held their annual ceremony that featured several speakers who had served in the armed forces. 

A special ceremony followed as the monument was unveiled in front of the Post. 

Brookville American Legion Vice Commander Faith Jones led the initiative to pursue a monument that represents all veterans who served.

“Today, we gather to dedicate this monument in honor of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, past, present and future, who have served our nation with unwavering courage, loyalty and devotion,” Jones announced.

The monument was built by Jonas Memorial Arts and it was made possible by generous donations. 

Jones said Duke Energy covered a large portion of the funds and they also received additional money through community donations. 

However, they still didn’t have enough funds to cover the $11,000 monument just a few weeks ago. 

That’s when Jones received a call from the family of Fred Chappelow, who passed away in May. 

Chappelow was 95-years-old and was a member of the Brookville Legion for 76 years, making him the longest-serving member of the Post. 

“He held every position at the Legion and I always looked up to him for advice,” Jones explained. 

His two sons offered to cover the remaining amount of needed funds in honor of their father.

One of Chappelow’s sons was in attendance for the unveiling on Sunday afternoon. The other lives in North Carolina.  

Other dignitaries that were there included Indiana American Legion Commander Ron Patterson, Indiana American Legion 9th District Commander Kevin Thomasson and Indiana State Representative Lindsay Patterson. 

Jones said the next phase will include the installation of white bricks near the monument that bears the names of veterans, with the first one being Bernard Hurst who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I.

Prior to the monument unveiling, Franklin County Veteran Service Officer Maj. Shirley May gave a speech: