March 19, 2025 - Americans consider themselves to be compassionate people, and the United States military has a long tradition of humanitarian relief operations both within and outside the continental United States. Never has this humanitarian impulse proven more dangerous to follow than in 1992 when the United States intervened to arrest famine in the midst of an ongoing civil war in the East African country of Somalia. Ultimately, hundreds of thousands were saved from starvation, but unintended involvement in Somalia’s civil strife cost the lives of thirty American Soldiers, four Marines, and eight Air Force personnel during the years 1992 to 1994.
Shelby County VFW Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will pay a solemn tribute to those who served during “Operation Restore Hope” with a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10am. This ceremony, a symbol of our deep respect and gratitude, is open to the public to honor their fellow Americans. For more information, please contact Post Adjutant Larry Hume at 936-332-0349 or email chiefhume95@gmail.com.
About the VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs.
