VFW to honor Somolia veterans

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will pay a solemn tribute to those who served during “Operation Restore Hope” with a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Americans consider themselves to be compassionate people, and the United States military has a long tradition of humanitarian relief operations both within and outside the continental United States. Never has this humanitarian impulse proven more dangerous to follow than in 1992 when the United States intervened to arrest famine in the midst of an ongoing civil war in the East African country of Somalia. Ultimately, hundreds of thousands were saved from starvation, but unintended involvement in Somalia’s civil strife cost the lives of thirty American Soldiers, four Marines, and eight Air Force personnel during the years 1992 to 1994.

The April 1 ceremony, a symbol of our deep respect and gratitude, is open to the public to honor their fellow Americans. For more information, please contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 936-332-0349 or email chiefhume95@gmail.com.