In honor of Memorial Day, Monday, May, 27th, Middlesboro American Legion Post 14 hosted the second annual wreath laying ceremony in Middlesboro. This year the wreath was placed in front of the plaque honoring Leonard F Mason. Leonard was born in Middlesboro Ky., February 22, 1920 and died July 22, 1944 from wounds sustained during World War II at the Battle of Guam. For heroism in the war, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
The ceremony opened with the National Anthem sung by Rev. Kristy Bay and prayer by Rev. Zachary Bay, both from First Baptist Church of Middlesboro Ky. After prayer, General Ron Mason, of Middlesboro, a relative of Leonard Mason, spoke on the history of Leonard Mason. He also recognized other relatives of Leonard Mason in attendance at the ceremony.
At the conclusion of the ceremony the Commander of American Legion Post 14 Jim Davis and General Ronald Mason laid the wreath. Leah Spencer and Sudie Howerton played taps.
American Legion Member and City Police Officer Bucky Harris started the Wreath Laying Ceremony in 2023.
Following the ceremony, a fish fry was held and made open to the public at American Legion Post 14.