Click the above image for a larger version
September 11, 2022 - (Album) - VFW Post 8904 hosted a Patriot Day program in honor of all who made sacrifices on September 11, 2001, and thereafter. The ceremony was held on the Center square at the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial Friday, September 9, 2022 with many first responders in attendance.
Post Quartermaster Larry Hume led the ceremony, and an opening prayer was given by Don Moore, Shelby County Jail Administrator. Following the prayer, the National Anthem was performed by David Mathis, First Baptist Church Minister of Music, and those present joined in by singing. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited.
"On September 11 2001, 21 years ago, America witnessed evil beyond belief. It was difficult for all of us to grasp the scope of the tragedies that day. It was one of the single most tragic days in our nation's history," said Hume. "Two decades have passed since that fateful day, and for most the memories of what happened that day are still vivid and painful as they were 21 years ago, and while time cannot ever remove the pain, we can find solace in remembering how our nation united in subsequent days and months that followed the attack."
Hume continued, "That day, we refused to allow evilness to triumph over good The accounts of hope and heroism that emerged from the rubble of ground zero, the Pentagon and the rural Pennsylvania field inspired us all. Those remarkable acts of valor continue to serve as reminders of all that is good and true in the human spirit, and in our grief, our nation and its citizens stood tall, and defiantly proud as police, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel, airplane passengers and crew members along with 9/11 dispatchers gave their lives to save their fellow man. Their heroism will never be forgotten by a grateful America, nor by the [Veterans of Foreign Wars] members who by their own experiences recognize heroism, and the high cost that comes with it."
Hume reminded everyone of three of Shelby County's own who died overseas protecting our freedoms and they are Larry E. Polley Jr., United States Army, killed in action in Iraq January 17, 2004; Kevin Casey Roberts, United States Army, killed in action in Afghanistan May 7, 2008; and Cory Bertrand, who was 18 years old and in the United States Army when he was killed in action in Afghanistan October 14, 2008.
"We can best honor the victims we remember today by recommitting ourselves to our families, our communities and our country," said Hume
Flags were mandated by presidential proclamation to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
"They were to be lowered on Sunday, September 11, but this preceded it, and now they will be raised approximately September 18, 10 days after her death," said Hume.
Introduced by Hume, and speaking on behalf of first responders in Shelby County were Keith Byndom, Center Fire Chief; Kevin Windham, Shelby County Sheriff; Jeremy Bittick, Center Police Lieutenant; and Jessie Griffith, Allegiance Mobile Health. Each reflected on the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
Shelby County Sheriff Captain Tanner Peace spoke on behalf of the NextGen Group who placed the flags on the square in honor of 9/11.
Richard Lundie, Post Commander, also spoke and shared a story of being overseas when the attack occurred and all of the first responders who acted on that day and the lasting medical effects which so many have suffered.
Shelby County Sheriff Kevin Windham placed the memorial wreath on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial, after which Hume reminded everyone to remember Mike Wood who formerly played the bagpipes at VFW events and was himself a 41-year first responder.
Following a moment of silence and remembrance of September 11, 2001 Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, Post Commander, and David Mathis sang God Bless America to close out the ceremony.
