August 31, 2023 - VFW Post 8904 members and auxiliary honored Iraq War Veterans during a ceremony held on the Center square at the Shelby County Historic Courthouse on August 31, 2023.
VFW representatives and community members gathered before the Shelby County Veterans Memorial and Kenneth Ramsey gave the opening prayer. Mary Roberts, VFW Post member, opened the program.
It has been 20 years since the end of the hostilities and it is our duty as fellow veterans, and citizens, to ensure this piece of history and sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Roberts. “Our gathering today is a small but heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our American patriots.”
During the Iraq War, 4,486 Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice including Shelby County’s own U.S. Army Specialist Larry E. Polley, Jr. in January 2004.
“Larry graduated from Center High School in 2001 and was 20 years old when he was killed in action,” said Roberts. “Many more Americans suffered wounds and loss of limbs in that war.”
Derrick Roberts, VFW member, then placed memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Taps was played as presented by Richard Lundie, Post Commander.
Roberts stated the next VFW observance will be tomorrow, September 1, 2023, at 9am remembering those who served in the Pacific and the formal surrender of VJ Day. The VFW will gather with First Responders and members of the community in honor of Patriot Day on Monday, September 11, 2023.
