Bridge in Leland dedicated in honor of Master Sgt. Hubert Lee

A bridge in Leland was formally dedicated April 24 in honor of Master Sgt. Hubert Lee, as community members, local officials and family gathered to recognize both the structure’s history and the life of a soldier whose service reached far beyond the Delta.

The ceremony was led by Mark King and the Leland Chamber of Commerce, who offered brief remarks before introducing speakers and family members connected to the dedication.

Daryl Lewis, Leland’s town historian, provided historical context on the Main Street bridge spanning Deer Creek. Lewis noted the bridge was originally constructed in the 1920s, with work completed in April 1926 — exactly 100 years prior to the dedication.

“The bridge is exactly 100 years old this month,” Lewis said.

He described the structure as more than infrastructure, noting its role in connecting the town across generations. Lewis also outlined preservation efforts over the decades, including restoration work and the reinstallation of historic lighting in 2017.

A second speaker, Lee’s nephew, Lt. Col. Joseph A. Lee Jr., U.S. Army (retired), shifted the focus from the bridge to the man whose name it now bears.

He described his great-uncle as a highly decorated soldier who served in both World War II and the Korean War, a Cold War-era conflict often referred to as the “Forgotten War.”

Lee recounted moments of extraordinary bravery under fire that would later earn his great-uncle some of the nation’s highest military honors.

“His company was attacking enemy positions … [and] the advance of his platoon was halted by intense fire,” Lee said, describing how his uncle moved forward “with total disregard for his personal safety.”

Months later, during intense fighting in Korea, Lee said his great-uncle continued leading troops even after being severely wounded.

“As the citation indicated, Uncle Hubert was grievously wounded multiple times and to the point where he couldn’t stand,” Lee said.

Despite those injuries, he continued to lead and inspire his fellow soldiers.

Yet, Lee said, the man behind those acts of valor was remembered not for his medals, but for his character.

“What little interaction I had with my Uncle Hubert, I recall mostly that he was a quiet, humble man that would do anything for you,” he said.
In closing, Lee reflected on the meaning of remembering such lives.

“By sharing the stories and values inherent in them, we understand the responsibility and potential within each one of us to inspire the world,” he said.

Family members in attendance included relatives from Leland, Texas, and other locations.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a reception hosted by the Kurtz family.

Organizers and speakers said the dedication reflects both the town’s commitment to preserving its history and its effort to honor individuals whose service continues to shape the community’s legacy—linking past and present, much like the bridge itself.