FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2024
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Commemorating Heroism: Rededication of Chappetto Square Honors
WWII Veteran, 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto
On September 26th, 2024, a heartfelt ceremony marked the rededication of Chappetto Square in Astoria, Queens, paying tribute to the life and legacy of 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto, a World War II hero who sacrificed his life 80 years ago, September 26, 1944, during the invasion of Angaur in the Pacific. The event, led by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond Chappetto, drew family members, veterans, local community leaders, and those seeking to honor the memory of not only Lt. Chappetto but also the countless veterans whose bravery and service have shaped our nation’s history.
“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all of you who have come here today to Peter Chappetto Memorial Square to pay tribute to my uncle,” said Bishop Chappetto in his opening remarks. “In paying tribute to Peter, we also join in honoring all veterans for their courage and sacrifice in service to our country.”
Born in Astoria in 1912, Peter Chappetto grew up just blocks away from the square that now bears his name. Described as a naturally gifted athlete, Peter excelled in both basketball and baseball at Bryant High School. Though he had the talent to pursue professional sports, his path led him to enlist in the army during the outbreak of World War II. By the fall of 1944, Lt. Chappetto was deployed to the Pacific and tragically lost his life just 17 days after reaching his island base.
In recounting Lt. Chappetto’s final moments, Bishop Chappetto shared, “He met his death leading his platoon in a night engagement during the invasion of Angaur. Hit by shell fragments, Peter directed his men to safety, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and a Presidential Citation.”
During the ceremony, it was noted that Lt. Chappetto was buried at sea, a custom at the time for soldiers who perished far from home. His family, unable to visit a traditional grave, helped establish the park in 1949 as a lasting tribute to his memory. The park has since served as a place of reflection and remembrance for the community and the Chappetto family, who continue to honor their beloved uncle’s legacy.
Peter Chappetto’s story is one of both heroism and the enduring power of family and community. Dr. Erik Carlson, a historian specializing in World War II battlefield commemoration, reflected on the broader significance of Lt. Chappetto’s sacrifice. “Peter Chappetto died a hero, holding off a Japanese counterattack and ensuring the safety of his platoon. It is important for the public to know the sacrifices made by Americans during World War II, to appreciate how families like the Chappetto family have preserved these legacies.”
Chappetto Memorial Park is located at the corner of Hoyt Avenue North and 23rd Streets in Astoria. The rededication of Chappetto Square also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the park’s original dedication in 1949. In his closing remarks, Bishop Chappetto emphasized the importance of continuing to share Peter’s story: “We have inherited a legacy and a memory that we are proud to preserve and share.”
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Photo 1 of 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto / Courtesy: The Tablet
Rededication Ceremony Photos
Bishop Chappetto show Purple Heart & Silver Star awarded posthumously to 2nd Lt. Peter Chappetto
Historian Professor Dr. Erik Carlson
