Roseville WWII hero, 101, to be honored during Memorial Day event at US Capitol

A 101-year-old Roseville man and World War II hero will be one of the veterans honored during a national Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 24, a momentous event for a man who has had a momentous life serving his country. Joe Peterburs is one of a small number of WWII veterans still living today. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 45,418 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are alive (as of 2025). Peterburs has a long history in the Roseville area, enjoying his retirement years as a Placer County resident. He will be in attendance for this year's concert, which will highlight many pivotal moments in U.S. history, including the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The National Memorial Day Concert airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS the evening before Memorial Day. This will be the 37th year for the event and is the country's only fully live Memorial Day concert. The event will also feature and honor 102-year-old Earl "Chuck" Kohler, one of the last Pearl Harbor survivors who has dedicated much of his retired life sharing his story with students and other groups to keep alive the memory of those who died. The event also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States; it will be hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna. Peterburs has clearly seen and experienced many intense moments in his life and memorable career, but being able to attend this event is something he is truly grateful for, not just for himself but for the sake of keeping history and the many stories of those who sacrificed so much, alive. "It is truly an honor to be included in the National Memorial Day Concert and to represent not only my fellow World War II veterans but all those who served and sacrificed for this country," said Peterburs. "At 101 years old, I never imagined I would still be traveling and sharing these experiences with people across America. To be acknowledged in this ceremony means that the stories and sacrifices of our generation are still remembered. I accept this recognition on behalf of the many men and women who never came home and those who quietly carried the burdens of war long after it ended." It was Nov. 30, 1942, when Peterburs enlisted; he was called to active duty as an Aviation Cadet on Jan. 26, 1943. He took part in single-engine pilot training and in 1944 received his pilot's wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant at 19 years old. Peterburs eventually began flying combat and went on to take part in 125 missions with 407 combat hours in the P-51, became a Master Air Weapons Controller and an inductee into the USAF Air Weapons Controller Hall of Fame. To say Peterburs had an accomplished and significant career is an understatement. He has received a slew of military decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross w/1olc, Bronze Star w/1olc, Purple Heart w/1olc, Air Medal w/7olc, P.O.W. Medal and 32 other medals and awards. He retired after more than 36 years and five months of active military service. Peterburs sees the value of this Memorial Day event as helping to keep the legacy of his generation alive; and not not just the military veterans but also the "Rosie the Riveters," a term used for the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. Those women played a pivotal role in replacing male workers who left for war. "To honor the remaining World War II veterans and the Rosie the Riveters today is incredibly important because our generation is quickly fading into history. Many of these men and women are now over 100 years old, yet their contributions helped preserve freedom around the world," said Peterburs. "The Rosies kept this country moving while millions served overseas, and they deserve every bit of recognition alongside the veterans." The National Memorial Day Concert airs live on Sunday, May 24, from 5-6:30 p.m. PDT on PBS and is seen by service members around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also stream on YouTube and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert. Peterburs said this event is important for all to see, especially the younger generations, who enjoy freedoms today thanks to the sacrifices made many decades ago. "I hope younger generations understand that freedom is never guaranteed. It requires sacrifice, hard work, unity and a willingness to serve something greater than yourself," said Peterburs. "We came from a generation that answered the call without expecting recognition, and I hope that spirit of duty and love of country continues long after we are gone."