August 24, 2026 - August 31, 2010, marked the official end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq. Sixteen years later, the Veterans of Foreign Wars remains dedicated to ensuring that the patriotism, service, and sacrifices of that generation of American warriors are never forgotten by the American people.
Among those who paid the ultimate price was U.S. Army Specialist Larry E. Polley, Jr., of Center, Texas. The 20-year-old Center High School Class of 2001 graduate, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, was killed in action on January 17, 2004, when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during a surveillance mission north of Taji, Iraq.
During the Iraq War, 4,486 Americans made the supreme sacrifice. To commemorate their service and that of all who served, Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center.
The ceremony will take place Monday, August 31, 2026, at 9am.
The public is cordially invited to join in this solemn remembrance of our fellow Americans. “Lest We Forget”.
