See status update: January 10, 2025
Members of the Leland High School Class of 1963 have proposed that a Military Wall of Honor be constructed outside of the Leland public library. The wall will honor all people from the Leland School District who served honorably in the United States Military at any time. The names of these honorees will be displayed on the wall.
Over forty-one million people have served in the United States military and people from the Leland School District have a rich heritage of service to our country. In fact, over five hundred military veterans are buried in the Leland-Stoneville cemetery alone, and that represents only a fraction of our veterans. One of the veterans is Master Sergeant Hubert Louis Lee, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions in the Korean War. Most people in Leland are simply not aware that such a famous person lived in Leland. He, however, is not alone. Thousands of others from Leland have served and continue to serve our military with valor, courage, and commitment. Veterans, both active duty and Reserve/National Guard, have given and continue to give a substantial portion of their lives in support of our country and some gave their lives.
Over 2,000 names have already been validated for inclusion on the wall, and it is anticipated that another 2,000 names will be added as nomination forms are submitted by the public and validated for inclusion.
The greatest challenge to the Wall of Honor is identifying veterans whose name should be honored on the Wall. We have already validated over 2,000 veterans and expect many more as people are notified of the Wall. Nominations are free at this time but will encounter a $100 engraving fee after the Wall is installed.
The second major challenge is funding. The Wall will be funded by donations from Leland School District friends and graduates in addition to a public fundraiser managed by Mark King. Past and present military veterans who resided in the Leland School District and their families, and others in the community may also donate. The Leland Chamber of Commerce (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization for tax purposes) has accepted the Wall as one of its projects which also facilitated our access to city properties. All donations are appreciated and will be accepted because they show your interest.
We have tentatively established the following levels for named sponsors such as the Class of 1963. The sponsors will be identified on a separate wall panel at the library:
| Sponsor Levels 1 | Sponsor Designation |
| $10,000 or more | Medal of Honor |
| $5,000 or more | Distinguised Service |
| $4,000 or more | Silver Star |
| $3,000 or more | Legion of Merit |
| $2,000 or more | Gold Star |
| $1,000 or more | Bronze Star |
| $500 or more (brick paver) | Meritorious Service |
| Less than $500 | Certicate of Appreciation |
For more information, please review the following forms and documents: