Americans have always had a special pride in the space program and that pride is unbounded when a local boy is chosen to walk on the moon.
As soon as the announcement was made that Charlie Duke would be on Apollo XVI, planning began for a celebration in Lancaster. Lavoy Bauknight, a local photographer, was commissioned to record the events in a film: Charlie Duke Day, May 26, 1972.
Bauknight recorded local schoolchildren at H.R. Rice Elementary School putting together a tribute to Charlie Duke.
Hundreds of Lancastrians made the trip to Cape Kennedy to watch the Liftoff on April 16, 1972.
Charlie Duke Day, Friday, May 26, 1972 began with a Press Conference at the Lancaster County Library. A reception and luncheon at the Country Club followed.
Over 30,000 people lined the streets of downtown Lancaster to view the largest parade in Lancaster's history. The 69-unit affair included 4 military bands, 12 high school bands, 12 floats, 20 beauty queens -- and Astronaut Charlie Duke and his family. The parade wound its way to Memorial Stadium where guest speakers addressed the crowd. Speakers included Colonel Duke, Governor John C. West, Senator Strom Thurmond, and Senator Ernest 'Fritz' Hollings. Capping the day's ceremonies was the formal Splashdown Ball at the National Guard Armory
The Library was honored again November 9, 1972 when Sarah Toy's Bronze Sculpture of Charles M. Duke was unveiled by Duke's sister, Elizabeth.
Lavoy Bauknight's entire film runs approximately 42 minutes and is available at the Library.
