Decline to get rid of American memorial (6)

I believe the answer is:

trophy

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'memorial' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Memorial of victory ' mean 'trophy' so perhaps 'memorial' could also mean 'trophy')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trophy that I've seen before include "Scalp - memento" , "Memento of success" , "Prize, eg cup" , "Cup given as prize for victory" , "Laurels" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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