May 27, 2018 - As we approach the 150th Anniversary of the first Memorial Day in 1868 that was then called Decoration Day, we remember that 100 years ago World War I was raging in Europe. The United States had joined in the fighting some 13 months earlier on April 6, 1917 and Shelby County, Texas had lost the first six of 34 sons that would die in the service of their country during the World War.
Five of the six died of pneumonia within months of induction as the world was suffering from the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 that was the deadliest in history. An estimated 20 to 50 million people died including some 675,000 Americans. The sixth died when the ship SS Tuscania that he was a passenger on was sunk by German U-Boats.
By War’s end, November 11, 2018, 28 more Shelby Countians would join them. One would become missing in action and remain so to this day almost 100 years later. More would die of disease and others in the ravage of battle. Two would be African Americans and two would be brothers killed in action just 49 days apart. Three families would make the heart wrenching decision to leave their sons buried with their comrades in France.
Shelby County, Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary extend a cordially invitation to join them for their Annual Memorial Day Program, Monday, May 28, 2018, 11am in the 1885 Historic Courthouse on the square in Center, Texas. All from the Spanish American War to today’s War on Terrorism will be remembered.
