September 11, 2025 - (Photo Album) - VFW Post 8904 members hosted the 2025 Patriot’s Day Remembrance program at the Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse on September 11, 2025.
Larry Hume, VFW Post Adjutant, opened the program and invited Pastor Josh Crawford to offer the opening prayer.
“It’s been a long time, 24 years ago the events of September 11, 2001 changed our country and also changed the world and today as in past years we promise to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and to honor them,” said Hume. “We honor a nation that in its darkest hour found light in courage and compassion of its people.”
Hume continued by sharing that both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and first responders know the weight of sacrifice.
“Our organization was born from the valor of those who served in foreign wars, but our purpose extends to every hero who has protected our country,” said Hume. “On September 11, our nation lost a part of its innocence, but in that moment of fear and chaos we found the strength we hadn’t seen since the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II December 7, 1941.”
Hume continued, “The cowardly acts of terrorism took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children and injured thousands more all while sending a clear message and that message was, freedom has enemies.”
The tyrants made a fatal error that day, said Hume, and he highlighted the terrorists had misjudged the determination of Americans and that the attacks which were intended to instill fear, cause division and weakness were met with true American spirit united and unwavering before the world.
“After the attack, we witnessed heroism in our city streets. We saw firefighters, police officers, paramedics run toward danger. We saw ordinary Americans risk everything to help their neighbors. They embodies the highest ideal of patriotism, not just a love of country, but a willingness to act on that love,” said Hume.
Hume reflected on the reconstruction of the damaged portion of the Pentagon and the field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania growing green again over time and the construction of the skyscraper at the site of the World Trade Center as a monument to American resilience.
“We will forever honor the memory of those who perished that day,” said Hume. “We honor the selfless courage of the firefighters, the police officers, and the emergency personnel who ran toward danger without a second thought. Their heroic acts reminded us that patriotism isn’t just about love of country, it’s about a willingness to serve and sacrifice for your neighbors.”
Hume elaborated on that spirit of service being our legacy and that it brought a fresh and harsh reminder that freedom must never be under-appreciated, because it's never free. The sacrifices made in places like Afghanistan and Iraq were a direct response to the evil that attacked us on 9/11. They were a testament to America’s commitment to stand strong against violence and to help ensure that others have the opportunity to live in freedom and peace.
Shelby County, Texas has given three of her sons to the War on Terror that followed the 9/11 attacks and Hume said that the first to die was Larry E. Polley Jr., United States Army, and he was killed in action in Iraq 21 years ago on January 17, 2004. Four years later Kevin Casey Roberts, United States Army, was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 7, 2008. He also was buried with full military honors in the West Hamilton Cemetery, leaving a wife and two small children. Cory Bertrand, United States Army, was killed in action in Afghanistan 17 years ago October 14, 2008, and he too was buried with full military honors in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at the age of 18.
“So as we leave here today, let's honor the fallen not just with words but with a renewed commitment. Join us, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in vowing to serve our communities and our nation doing more than we did the day before. Let us live lives worthy of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and ensure that their memory lives on forever,” said Hume.
By presidential proclamation flags were lowered to half-staff on the morning of September 11, and they will remain so until sundown on Sunday, September 14 and this is also in conjunction with honoring the memory of Charlie Kirk who was killed September 10, 2025 in Utah.
First responders from several agencies were present to speak during the Patriot Day program including Keith Byndom, Center Fire Chief; Mike Hanson, Chief Deputy for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department; Andrew Williams, Center Police Department Lieutenant; and Jessie Griffith, Allegiance Mobile Health.
A memorial wreath was then placed on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by Center Police Chief Ricky King. Taps was then played as presented by Lee Jarvis, Post Member.
Leigh Porterfield closed the program by singing, “God Bless America.”
