A Lynchburg native missing in action since World War II will be coming home on Saturday, Aug. 3 and will be passing through Nottoway County. As part of the event, American Legion groups are asking people to line the streets, in order to render a ‘last salute’ to this soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice 80 years ago.

“On Friday, Aug. 2, Sgt. Mayburn Hudson will be making his trip home to Lynchburg,” said an American Legion Post 32 spokesman. “Sgt. Hudson was killed near St. Malo, Brittany, France on Aug 7, 1944. His family was notified in Dec. 2023 that his remains were recovered and identified and will be returning home. The funeral (will be taking) place Aug 7 in Lynchburg.”

The American Legion’s Patriot Guard Riders will meet Sgt. Hudson at the Richmond airport and provide an escort to Lynchburg.

“I have been involved in several of these missions and it always moves my heart to see the local community stand along the streets with flags, hand salute or hands over their heart to honor an American hero,” Greg Eanes from the American Legion said.

The plan is to have those who wish to participate meet at the Crewe Park in Crewe on Rt 460. The American Legion is working with Crewe Police Dept to get approval and coordination. The current plan is for the escort mission to leave Richmond around 9:30 a.m., which would put them in Crewe around 10:30 a.m. The escort group would then stop at Crewe for refueling before continuing on.