Mayor Declares February 19 John Basilone Day in Knoxville

February 19 - As part of a national campaign to pay tribute to Congressional Medal of Honor, Navy Cross and Purple Heart Recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, the Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Detachment 924 Marine Corps League of Knoxville joined Mayor Ashe for the proclamation presentation.
Supporters are working to have a United States postal stamp issued recognizing the heroism of Sgt. Basilone, who not only fought at Guadalcanal but also fought and was mortally wounded at Iwo Jima in World War II.

left to right: Joe Eddlemon, Gene Furrow, Mayor Ashe,
David Cates, Karl Ekstrom and Connie Sexton