February 27, 2026 - VFW Post 8904 members held a remembrance ceremony on February 27, 2026, before the Shelby County Veterans Memorial in honor of those who served in Operation Desert Storm 35 years ago.
The program was opened by Richard Lundie, Post Two-Year-Trustee, and he offered an opening prayer.
Operation Desert Storm veterans present during the ceremony are (from left): Mike Langford, Sean Martin, and Richard Lundie.
Lundie shared the history, “As part of the Gulf War, 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 the Allied Coalition, in air and ground, President [George H.W.] Bush declared a cease-fire on February 28, 1991, [35] years ago.”
Lundie Continued, "More than 2.2 million service members served during that era and an estimated 604,550 deployed to the Gulf. An estimated 1.16 million veterans from that era are still alive. 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 for Desert Storm, but many served.”
Lundie inquired of the audience and those participating if there were any Operation Desert Storm veterans present and the three present included himself, Mike Langford and Sean Martin. Each shared a little detail of their experience in service.
Martin then 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 to those who survived and who have since passed, and to those who are still living. If it were not for you gathering here today, this day would have gone unnoticed in Shelby County. The service and sacrifices of these veterans would not have been remembered. We cannot let any group of veterans be forgotten, this is our charge, and again thank you for caring enough to be here today,” said Lundie.
In a final tribute, Taps was sounded presented by Post Member Mike Langford.
