September 4, 2026 - Those who perished on September 11, 2001 hold a cherished and permanent place in the heart of this nation. This year marks a quarter century since that morning when America was attacked. On Friday, September 11, 2026, the people of Shelby County will gather once more to remember them.
Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 invites all citizens of Shelby County to its annual Patriot Day Observance at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Shelby County Courthouse in Center, Texas. The program begins at 9am.
The observance will include performances by the Center Middle School eighth-grade band under the direction of Christina Smith, Joaquin High School bugler Brady Siglar, and vocalist Leigh Porterfield. Pastor Josh Crawford of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church will offer the invocation. Hosting the program will be Post Quartermaster Mary Roberts.
“Twenty-five years have not dimmed the names or the faces,” said Post Commander Derrick Roberts. “We gather so that a new generation in this county will know what was taken from us — and what we still owe those we lost.”
Those unable to attend are urged to pause wherever they are and remember the more than 3,000 innocent men, women, and children who lost their lives that day. Sacrifice is empty without remembrance. America’s memory of its own requires that we honor the deaths of our fellow countrymen.
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Friday, September 11, 2026.
For more information, contact Post Adjutant Larry Hume at 936-332-0349 or chiefhume95@gmail.com.
