by Frisco Legion | Nov 25, 2021 | Community
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday that occurs on Thursday, November 25, 2021. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It was not until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been on offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621.
Today, however, 90 percent of Americans eat the bird—whether roasted, baked, or deep-fried—on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate.
by Frisco Legion | Nov 24, 2021 | Community, Recognitions
Members of the Nelson Middle School Junior Honor Society honored American Legion Post 178 veterans by presenting them a fifty-foot banner of poppies, saying “NMS Loves Veterans.” More than 1,325 poppies were constructed by students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The idea for the banner was conceived by National Junior Honor Society members who wanted to find a way to involve students in honoring veterans.
Elizabeth Mulroney, Junior Honor Society sponsor, accompanied the students. During the presentation, the students recited the meaning of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence – the school’s motto. Ms. Mulroney said, “The students were excited to present the banner to honor Post 178 veterans on behalf of the entire student body.” Vice Commander Ed Reed accepted the banner on behalf of the post’s members.
The banner will continue to honor veterans when it is given to the veterans that reside at the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, Texas. Post 178 annually holds a donation drive for its more than one hundred elderly veterans. Former Post 178 Chaplain John Allen, Tim Schmidt, and Marty Martel will deliver the banner and donations in early December…just in time for Christmas.
by larryw | Nov 17, 2021 | Press Release, Recognitions
(L-R) Delbert Parsons accepts the gavel from Immediate Past Commander Fred Rogers after taking the oath of office . Photo by Ed Reed.
At its general membership meeting on November 15, 2021, Delbert Parsons was elected the new Post 178 Commander. Commander Parsons will serve until June 2022.
Commander Parsons is a charter member of Post 178. He served as Adjutant from 2015 to 2021. In 2018, he was presented the annual Jimmy D. Lemley Award for Outstanding Texas State Adjutant by then State Commander John Hince.
Immediate Past Commander Fred Rogers officiated the officer election and administered the installation ceremony. Rogers said “Commander Parsons will continue to provide the leadership of Post 178 and its fine tradition of serving veterans, youth, Frisco and surrounding communities as it has done since it was chartered in 2014.”
Commander Parsons served in the U.S. Marines from 1959 to 1963. He completed boot camp in San Diego and served in the 5th Marine Division. In December, he and Linda, who serves as the Auxiliary Unit 178 treasurer, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters whose sons are both veterans.
Welcome aboard Commander Parsons!
by larryw | Nov 15, 2021 | American Legion Post 178
The Frisco Community Parade was held on November 13 to mark Veterans Day and to celebrate community pride. The parade, which was originally a homecoming parade when Frisco was home to one high school, featured floats, school marching bands, high school football teams, cheerleaders, scouts, civic organizations, youth sports teams, Frisco-based professional sports teams, and local businesses.
The Frisco Community Parade is a collaboration between the City of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District, Frisco Chamber of Commerce, and the Frisco Veterans Advisory Committee.
by larryw | Nov 15, 2021 | American Legion Post 178
For the seventh year, Post 178 will provide needed hygiene, clothing, and other personal items through donations for the 117 veterans that reside at the Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, Texas. Please help by donating either by mailing a check to Terry Meyering, 7763 Sunflower Way, Frisco, TX 75033 or going online to friscolegion.org/donate – just select Bonham State Veterans Home. Cash, and purchased items should be turned in at the November 15, 2021, membership meeting, held at The Grove at Frisco Commons, Commons Hall, 8300 McKinney Road, Frisco, Texas 75034. You may also bring a check if you have not already mailed it in. 100% of donations to this fund will go to the Bonham Veterans Home. These veterans will appreciate your generosity. No donation is too small, and all are appreciated.
Donation Items Needed for Bonham Veterans Home
- Small snack cakes, jellybeans, chips
- Small individual packages of snack food
- Crossword puzzle books; magazines
- New men’s undershirts, sizes L & XL
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Chocolate and hard candy
- Hairbrushes
- Pull over hats and gloves
- Cans of nuts & popcorn
- Bars of Soap
- Puzzles
- Lap Blankets
- Hand Lotion
- Chapstick
- Shampoo
by larryw | Nov 14, 2021 | Color Guard, Community, Recognitions
The Frisco High School Choir, and Orchestra and American Legion Post 178 Color Guard presented a Veterans Day tribute to honor local area veterans.
The program included patriotic songs which were led by Julie Daniels, Director FHS Orchestras. Post 178 Chaplain James Schaub gave the invocation and benediction. The Post 178 Color Guard presented and retired the Nation’s colors. Larry Wilhelm, Color Guard Captain, and Ted Ruybal concluded the program with the POW/MIA remembrance service.
The program honored and listed the names of the eleven young men who lived in Frisco who have been killed in action since World War I. Each is honored at the Veterans Memorial in Frisco Commons with a plaque at the Wall of Honor, as well as a trail marker describing their service.
The eleventh soldier listed was Corporal Peter John Courcy, U.S. Army – Operation Enduring Freedom, who was killed in action on February 10, 2009, in Afghanistan. He was 22 years old. Because Peter had attended Frisco High School, a special tribute honored him.
Peter J Courcy is the namesake of Post 178.
