August 7 – Purple Heart Day

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

American Legion, Peter J Courcy Post 178, is proud to be a Purple Heart Post.

National Purple Heart Day is observed each year on August 7, honoring those U.S. service members who have been wounded or killed while serving under enemy action.

The origins of Purple Heart Day trace back to August 7, 1782, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner to the modern Purple Heart. Though awarded sparingly during the Revolutionary War, it symbolized Washington’s intent to recognize valor and devotion among enlisted soldiers.

Purple Heart video

 

2025-2026 Post 178 Officers

2025-2026 Post 178 Officers

L-R:  Mike Olivarez: 4th District Commander, Joanne Schumm: Post Commander, Terry Gilbert: Vice Commander – Programs, Larry Wilhelm: Member-at-Large, Mark Hurlen: Vice Commander – Membership / Historian, Thor Anderson: Vice Commander – Post Activities, Bill Drake: Sergeant-at-Arms, David Grandfield:  Member-at-Large, Delmon Outland: Chaplain, Jose Torres, Sr.:  Adjutant. Not pictured: Hiram Sasser: Judge Advocate, Fred Rogers: Service Officer, Ed Mendlik: Member-at-Large. Ed Reed: Past Commander

The election of our 2025-2026 Post Executive Committee officers was held at our Membership Meeting on June 16, 2025. 4th District Commander:  Mike Olivarez installed the new officers.

Army 250th Birthday

Army 250th Birthday

On June 14th, 1775, the Continental Congress established our Army. It began with just ten companies of riflemen who pledged to enlist as soldiers for one year to face the world’sstrongest military of that day.

On the Army’s Birthday, we thank every Soldier, Civilian and Family member who has ever served in our ranks for your dedication to duty and the selfless service that have made us all Army Strong. Happy Birthday!

June 6, 2025, marks the 81st Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy

June 6, 2025, marks the 81st Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy

We will always remember and never forget the sacrifices and valor exhibited by our armed forces on that infamous day, June 6, 1944.

What we commemorate: On D-Day Allied Forces launched a combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France.  The invasion is significant in history for the role it played in World War II.  During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control.

Code named Operation Overlord, the battle began when 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and 156,000 American, British, and Canadian servicemen landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead.  Yet somehow, due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe had been breached.

The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.

 

Post 178 Member Raymond Cage Excels  at the 2025 National Veteran Golden Age Games

Post 178 Member Raymond Cage Excels at the 2025 National Veteran Golden Age Games

Gold Medal Winner Raymond Cage and wife Angela at the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, TN. On May 30 – June 3.

Raymond Cage, coached by his wife Angela, attended the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, TN. on May 30 – June 3.  Raymond won a total of five medals, four gold medals in track, and one bronze medal in horseshoes.

Raymond also became a new track record holder in the 50M, 100M, 200M and 400M events. Raymond credits his wife, who is his personal track coach, for getting him prepared to break the four records.

Raymond plans to participate in the 2026 National Veteran Golden Age Games in Tampa, FL. on June 27 – July 2.

See videos of Raymond’s 50M, 100M, and 200M races below:

50M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wW6Xzvc2kPgRQ5jYA

100M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3rNF7DByp9xdf6uk8

200M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ciGA6apTvwujumds8