by larryw | Sep 26, 2021 | Recognitions
No one understands the true price of freedom made by our military heroes more than our Gold Star Mothers. Each year, the last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother’s Day, a day set aside to recognize their grief, sacrifices, and strengths.
Gold Star Mothers are Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country. A Gold Star Family is one who has lost a family member in the service of our country.
During World War I, families with loved ones who were currently serving hung “service flags” with a blue star for every immediate family member who was currently serving. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. This allowed members of the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom.
Starting in 1936, the United States began observing Gold Star Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of September. At the end of World War II, Gold Star Wives was formed. Today, the tradition extends to all family members. This is a day we recognize the pain, grief and sacrifice mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters must endure when a loved one dies in service to our nation.
Our military families serve this country alongside our military heroes. They provide support while their loved ones are away, they raise families in the absence of their partners, and they pick up the pieces when their loved one is killed or injured in the line of duty.
If you are a Gold Star Mother or Family, we honor your sacrifice and thank you for your service. If you know a Gold Star Mother or Family, please take time today to recognize them.
by larryw | Sep 21, 2021 | Boys and Girls State, Home, Recognitions
Thomas Davies accepting the Court Proclamation. (L-R) Commissioners Ron Marchant and Ryan Williams, Judge Andy Eads, and Commissioners Bobbie J. Mitchell and Dianne Edmondson.
Thomas Davies, a Wakeland High School senior, was recognized at the Denton County Commissioners Court on September 21, 2021, for being an American Legion Boys Nation Senator. Davies was the guest of Commissioner Precinct 1 Ryan Williams.
Davies was selected by American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178. He, along with eighteen other delegates, attended the 2021 Texas Boys State. Davies was also selected as a senator from the more than six hundred Texas Boys State Statesmen to attend the 2021 American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, DC. Davies was one of one hundred Boys Nation senators selected from more than 20,000 Boys State Statesmen from across our great nation.
In Washington, senators received an education on the structure and function of federal government, introduced legislation, organized party platforms and conventions, and participated in the election of officers. The week of government training also combined lectures and forums with visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials, and historical spots in and around Washington.
Judge Andy Eads read the proclamation which was approved by Commissioners Ryan Williams, Ron Marchant, Bobbie J. Mitchell, and Dianne Edmondson. The proclamation recognized Davies for his outstanding achievements and extended best wishes for continued success, happiness, and a lifetime of honor and service.
by larryw | Sep 18, 2021 | Air Force, Recognitions
The Air Force Birthday on September 18th commemorates the establishment of The United States Air Force. From the moment the Wright brothers found a way to soar with the birds, the military incorporated aeronautical pursuits into their missions. However, the Air Force did not become a separate branch of the Armed Forces until September 18, 1947.
The military established the Signal Corps as the first aeronautical force in the United States. During the Civil War, the first missions provided visional communications via flags and torchlight from aerial balloons. Even so, the Signal Corps did not become an official branch of the Army until 1863. Its creation made way for more aeronautical training and study.
Since then, military air service has gone through many names and commands. A few examples are Air Service of the US Army to the Air Corps and Army Air Force. Finally, in 1947, President Truman signed the National Security Act establishing the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the military.
As a result of pursuing advanced technology and superior airmen, the US Air Force emerged as the swiftest tactical force ready to deploy anywhere at a moment’s notice. On September 18, celebrate the airmen and women who are on watch every
by larryw | Sep 18, 2021 | Recognitions
You Are Not Forgotten – that’s the central phrase behind the POW/MIA remembrance movement which honors America’s prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families. Many of our service members suffered as prisoners of war during several decades of varying conflicts. While some of them made it home, tens of thousands more never did.
POW/MIA Recognition Day is commemorated on the third Friday of every September, a date that is not associated with any particular war. In 1979, Congress and the president passed resolutions making it official after the families of the more than 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs pushed for full accountability.
The point of POW/MIA Recognition Day is to ensure that American remembers to stand behind those who serve and to make sure we do everything we can to account for those who have never returned
To comprehend the importance of this movement, all one needs to do is look at the sheer number of Americans who have been listed as POW/MIAs.
Prisoners of War:
- 130,201 World War II service members were imprisoned; 14,072 them died
- 7,140 Korean War service members were imprisoned; 2,701 of them died
- 725 Vietnam War service members were imprisoned; 64 of them died
- 37 service members were imprisoned during conflicts since 1991, including both Gulf wars; none are still in captivity
Missing in Action (83,114):
- 73,515 from World War II
- 7,841 from the Korean War
- 1,626 from Vietnam
- 126 from the Cold War
- 6 from conflicts since 1991
About 75 percent of those missing Americans are somewhere in the Asia-Pacific. More than 41,000 have been presumed lost at sea. Efforts to find those men, identify them, and bring them home are constant.
by larryw | Sep 17, 2021 | Recognitions
On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. For the past 225 years, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, define our government and guarantee our rights.
Each year, on September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In addition, September 17-23 is also recognized as Constitution Week. During this time, Americans are encouraged to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen.
by larryw | Sep 16, 2021 | Anniversary
The American Legion has served wartime veterans through promoting patriotism, military service, national security, and dedication to current service members and veterans alike.
The American Legion will celebrate its 101st birthday on Monday, September 16, 2021.
The Legion itself holds events nationwide to celebrate its birthday. All focus on the organization’s mission, core values, plus recognizing both volunteers and those they help. These events promote the Legion’s advocacy for veterans, patriotism, and what the Legion describes as “Americanism.”
