VFW Post, Auxiliary Remember USS Maine; Howell Places Memorial Wreath

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February 17, 2017 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on February 15, 2017 to remember the sinking of the USS Maine during the Spanish-American war and the veterans who served during that time.

"119 years ago today on February 15, 1898 the USS Maine exploded in the harbor of Havana Cuba. 266 American crewmen and Marines were killed. Spain was blamed for the explosion and the Spanish American war began as a result. Less than four months later on August 12, 1898 the United States won a decisive victory, and this was the first war that the United States had ever fought off our seas and off our shores," said Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster.

Cynthia Islas, Chaplain, gave the opening prayer on February 15, 2017.

Hume proceeded in explaining 3,000 American military were lost during that engagement; however, not due to the conflict instead from exposure to Yellow Fever, and Typhoid Fever from fighting in the jungles. Hume reminded those present of the saying of Teddy Roosevelt to his troops as they were mustering out, "Enjoy the next 15 days, because after that you will be forgotten."

"And they were, and because of the United States Government's refusal for proper military care for these veterans, they banded together in organizations across this country that would eventually become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States that we are members of today," said Hume.

Hume reminded everyone their presence at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial was to remember the lives of those lost so long ago, the explosion of the USS Maine and the Spanish-American war which followed.

Placing the memorial wreath in remembrance of the USS Maine, those on board and the veterans of the Spanish-American war was Derwin Howell.

Hume stated he has been able to connect three Shelby County veterans to the Spanish-American war and they include Elijah Webb, Bronson Cline and Charles Henry Hudson. An article has been prepared by Hume which tells some of the story of the time these men spent in the military and that article can be viewed here: Every Veteran Has A Story: Spanish-American War Philippine Insurrection

"As an interesting side note, I found that on June 13, 1918 President [Woodrow Wilson] issued an Executive Order. He ordered that all veterans of the Spanish-American war who were in the service of the government of the United States and desired to attend the 20th annual encampment of the United Spanish War Veterans to be held in Baltimore, Maryland September 3-5, 1918 they shall be granted leave of absence with pay and they be granted as many more days additional leave with pay as necessary for the journey to and from Baltimore," said Hume.

"Today we can honor these three veterans and all the other forefathers of our great organization by continuing to fight for veterans' rights and benefits, just as they did," said Hume.

The event was brought to a close with the playing of Taps as presented by John Piersol.