200 came to an American Legion Post 26 program on Memorial Day.
“Freedom isn’t free,” 2025 PCHS graduate Jose Cruz said. “I think the freedom we have right now is because of our soldiers that have served us—that have fought for us. And I think that we should honor them, and bring us together with our memories. I think it is a good way to spend time with them even when they aren’t here.”
On Memorial Day, Norman McLeod, American Legion Post 26 opened its doors for a Memorial Day Remembrance program to honor those who died in service to the nation.
“This particular event in Plant City is tremendous for this community because so many in our community have served in the armed forces,” City Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis commented. “We have so many families who have lost their loved ones. My father served in WWII, but thank God he made it home. I am so grateful for the American Legion Post doing this. I am grateful for all of the citizens and the organizations that participated. The wreath ceremony would almost bring tears to your eyes—a beautiful ceremony.”
The event led off with Post Adjutant Mark Connor greeting the crowd. Plant City High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (PCHS JROTC) posted the colors, and the assembly sang the National Anthem. Next, Cub Scout Troop 5 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Post Commander Carl Brosky welcomed the crowd, then Post Chaplain Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks gave the invocation. He prayed, in part, “…Father, we recognize we stand in a country that’s free. Free because there were so many who were willing to give their lives….those that were willing to go to give all that they had….”
Post Vice Commander Jerry Harrold walked attendees through a ceremonial table to remember POW/MIA service members, which focused on symbolic elements set on the table. Brosky spoke to the group about the significance of the day before reading a roll call of local military members who lost their lives while serving the nation. The JROTC cadets fired a 21-gun salute to punctuate the power of the moment, followed by a trumpet playing Taps.
These local organizations carried wreaths into the room and presented them to honor the fallen:
• The City of Plant City
• Arts Council of Plant City
• Kiwanis Club
• Plant City Black Heritage
• Plant City Garden Club
• Plant City Champions for Youth
• Walden Lake Community Association
• Cub Scouts Pack 5
• Women’s Club of Plant City
• Plant City Elks Lodge
• Plant City Republican Women’s Club
• Norman McLeod Post 26
To close the ceremony, Chaplain Middlebrooks gave the benediction.
“We are here today to honor the vets for all of their service and dedication,” Darlene Burnham said. “They have given us our freedom.”
Attendees were invited to stay and talk together during a lunch of smoked chicken, baked beans, and potato salad.
“We celebrate Memorial Day every year because without those who have gone before us who have given their lives, we wouldn’t have the freedom that we have,” Karen Olszewski said.
