March 10, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 Post members and Auxiliary gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on February 28, 2025, to honor those who served in Operation Desert Storm 34 years ago.
The program was opened by Richard Lundie, Post Chaplain, and he gave the opening prayer.
Lundie shared the history, “On January the 17th 1991 Coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States began an aerial bombardment of Iraq. This was in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait. A week later on January 24th, a ground assault began the liberation of Kuwait and the advancement into Iraqi territories. After 42 days of relentless attacks by an Allied Coalition, in air and ground, President [George H.W.] Bush declared a cease-fire on February 28, 1991, [34] years ago. 148 Americans had died in battle and there were another 145 non combatant deaths and 467 wounded. We have no known casualties in Shelby County, but many did serve.”
Lundie then recognized the two veterans in attendance who fought in Operation Desert Storm - Sean Martin and himself. He also spoke the names of two Desert Storm Veterans who he personally knew, Bruce Watson and Rick Isom.
Comrade Ray Miller placed the memorial wreath in honor of the Desert Storm Veterans upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
“Our presence here today is a small but heartfelt thank you to Desert Storm Veterans who died during the war and for those who survived and who have since passed, and to those who are still living. If it were not for you gathering here today, it would have gone unnoticed in Shelby County. The service and sacrifices of those veterans would not have been remembered. We cannot let any group of veterans be forgotten, this is our charge, and again thank you,” said Lundie.
In a final tribute, Taps was sounded by Post Member Sean Martin.
