Memorial Day

T206, Bill Chappelle

Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial, Belgium

What do Bill Chappelle and Memorial Day have in common?

They were both born in Waterloo, New York.

Bill Chappelle, a pitcher, was born in 1881 in Waterloo. He played for the Boston Doves in 1908 and 1909 before being selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds early that season. He played one game for the Reds before being purchased by Rochester club. He later played for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops in the Federal League in 1914.

In 1866 the village of Waterloo honored fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves. In May of 1966 the US Congress and President Truman recognized that Waterloo was the birthplace of Memorial Day.

I selected the photo of the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery because of my grand-uncle, Orville Hodlin, who died in Europe during World War II while serving in the US Army. Orville is interred there.

Please don't forget those that have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

(Photo of the T206 card lifted from an ebay auction.)