February 27, 2015 - Gulf War Veterans were honored by members of VFW Post 8904 and Ladies Auxiliary in front of the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on the Center square Friday, February 27, 2015.
The ceremony was led by Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, and an opening prayer was given by Gene Hutto, Post Chaplain.
Hume told of how the Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Storm, began on January 17, 1991 when coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States began the aerial bombardment in Iraq. This was in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait. A week later on February 24th, a ground assault began the liberation of Kuwait and advancement into Iraqi territory.
"When the war ended on February 28th, 1991, 148 Americans had died in battle, which included 15 females. There were also 145 nonbattle deaths and 467 wounded. In their honor today we're proud to have Desert Storm Veteran Sean Martin who was in the United States Navy Seabees to place out wreath," said Hume.
Martin hung the wreath and Hume explained the wreath would remain at the Veterans Memorial until the close of business day. "Our presence here today is a small but heartfelt thank you for the Desert Storm Veterans who died during the war and those who survived and have since passed away and those still living. If it were not for you and all these familiar faces in front of me, this day would have gone by unnoticed in Shelby County, Texas. The service and sacrifices of these veterans would not have been remembered, and we cannot let any group of veterans be forgotten, that's our charge and I thank you again for caring enough to be here today."
As a final tribute Taps was played as presented by Mike Langford, Post Commander.
