by larryw | Jul 26, 2023 | American Legion Post 178
July 27, 2023, marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending Korean War hostilities. The era ran from June 25, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955; Congress extended the period due to the uneasy peace negotiations after the armistice was signed in 1953. Unlike many other wars, the Korean War fostered many names. It is often called the “Forgotten War,” or a “police action.” Sandwiched between World War II and the Vietnam War, it is often overlooked.
During the Korean War nearly 5 million people perished. More than half of the casualties were civilians, about 10 percent of the population. This rate of casualties was higher than World War II and the Vietnam War.
• 6.8 million American men and women served from June 27, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955.
• 54,200 Americans died in service during the hostilities that ended on July 27, 1953. Of these, 33,700 were battle deaths.
• There were 7,140 POWs during the war. Of these, 4,418 were returned to the United States, 2,701 died and 21 refused repatriations.
• There have been 131 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor among Korean War veterans.
Post 178 thanks its twenty-nine Korean War era veterans and all those who served during it.
by larryw | Jul 21, 2023 | American Legion Post 178
Agent Orange Awareness Day marks the first day the substance was used in Vietnam and surrounding countries, and it is meant to pay tribute to those who were exposed to this deadly compound. The day is an annual observation designed to raise awareness of the effects of the herbicide used by American forces to defoliate future and current battlegrounds with the purpose of depriving the enemy ground cover to hide in.
Agent Orange is responsible for a wide range of adverse effects in human beings and the Department of Veterans Affairs lists Agent Orange exposure or potential exposure as a presumptive condition, meaning that those who report exposure and have certain medical conditions are presumed to have those medical issues as a result of military service and most likely have those conditions due to the exposure.
The use of Agent Orange was originally authorized by President John F. Kennedy and Air Force planes began flying missions to disburse Agent Orange as part of something known as Operation Trail Dust.
Millions of gallons of Agent Orange were used which contained an incredibly toxic substance known as dioxin. Dioxin is responsible for cancer, birth defects, and other symptoms.
Veterans and family members concerned about Agent Orange exposure, long-term effects from it, and birth defect issues are urged to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to schedule an appointment for an Agent Orange Registry health exam.
by larryw | Jul 21, 2023 | American Legion Post 178
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Revel Patio Grill
9305 Preston Rd
Frisco, Texas 75034
“Frisco is proud to be a “Purple Heart City. “
– Mayor Cheney
American Legion Post 178 is proud to be a “Purple Heart Post. “
– Commander Ed Reed
by larryw | Jul 19, 2023 | American Legion Post 178
(R – L) Members of 2023-2024 Post 178 Executive Committee include Fred Rogers, Terry Gilbert, Jose Torres, Ed Reed, Terry Meyering, Ron Bercher, Larry Wilhelm, and Thor Anderson. Not pictured are Joanne Schumm, John Brady, and John Stammreich.
Since Post 178 was chartered in 2014, membership has grown to more than 450 members, many of which reside throughout Denton County.
Dedicated to caring for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, the post also sponsors programs that mentor community youth, provide temporary financial assistance, emergency aid for disasters, and educational scholarships. It helps veterans with their VA benefits and provides volunteer services at assisted living and senior centers. Its veteran volunteers are dedicated to community service.
In 2023, the post sent 20 delegates to Texas Boys State. Since 2014, 177 Statesmen have completed our award- winning program. Our Oratorical contests have produced college scholarship winners at the post, district, division, state, and national competitions. For the ninth consecutive year, the post has participated in the Wreaths Across America program at the DFW National Cemetery to remember the fallen. In 2022, the post established a supportive partnership with the Frisco ISD Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program to provide growth opportunities.
The post also participates in the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. Its Color Guard/Honor Guard posts The Colors in many local events as well.
In June, post executive committee members were elected for 2023-2024. The committee formally meets monthly to coordinate and direct the programs and volunteer efforts of the post. Ed Reed, Post Commander, said “The committee’s leadership will enable Post 178 to complete another successful year.”
by larryw | Jul 7, 2023 | American Legion Post 178, Events
Members of the American Legion Post 178 Color Guard and cadets from the Lebanon Trail Navy National Defense Cadet Corps presented the Nation’s Colors and service flags at the Frisco Freedom Fest. Photo by John Brady.
The Post 178 Color Guard and Lebanon Trail Navy National Defense Cadet Corps had the honor of presenting the Nation’s Colors and Service Flags during the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Frisco Freedom Fest. The Independence Day celebration in the City Hall Plaza had live entertainment, local vendors, a Classic Car Show and The Taste of Frisco, featuring 20 local restaurants.
The Cadet Corps also manned an information booth in the ‘Patriotic Vender Village’ which included more than 20 local participants. In addition to discussing membership opportunities, cadets shared information about their program.
Festivities concluded with one of the largest fireworks shows in North Texas.
by larryw | Jul 4, 2023 | American Legion Post 178, Community
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
The first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” was not until 1791 and Independence Day celebrations only became common after the War of 1812. By the 1870’s. Independence Day had become the most important secular holiday on the American calendar and has transformed into what is known as the 4th of July today.
From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
