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.
by larryw | Jul 2, 2023 | Events, Press Release, Veteran Services
The North Texas Veterans Experience Action Center along with VA, state, and community partners will host a virtual event on Tuesday, July 18th – 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT for North Texas Veterans, caregivers, Service members, survivors, and family members to help you get the services and benefits you’ve earned!
Are you looking to get a status on your claim or sign up for VA health care? Whatever it is, VA and partners are here to help.
Simply schedule an appointment to speak directly with VA and get dedicated one-on-one service. At the time of your appointment, a Veterans Service Officer will call you—via telephone—to kick off your appointment. We look forward to connecting with you!
Veterans who don’t have access to a telephone to receive their VEAC appointment call can visit VA sites where phones will be provided. Visit the registration page for more information.
Registration runs through Sunday, July 16th. Appointment availability is limited and please note this event will serve residents of North Texas counties only—all out-of-area registrations will be canceled. For a list of participating counties, and to register for the event, visit the North Texas VEAC registration link.
by larryw | Jun 20, 2023 | American Legion Post 178
(R – L) Ed Reed, new Post 178 Commander, Sheillie White, 4th District Commander, and John Stammreich, Immediate Past Commander. Photo by John Brady.
Post 178 elected its Post Executive Committee officers at its general membership meeting on June 19, 2023. All newly elected officers will serve from July 2023 to June 2024.
Sheillie White, 4th District Commander, conducted the election and installed the new officers. Elected were Ed Reed – Commander,
John Brady – Vice Commander-Public Relations, Schrumm – Vice Commander – Post Activities, Terry Gilbert – Vice Commander – Programs, Jose Torres – Adjutant, Terry Meyering – Finance Officer, Fred Rogers – Judge Advocate and Service Officer, Ron Burcher – Sergeant at Arms, Thor Anderson – Member at Large, and Larry Wilhelm – Member at Large. Former Commander John Stammreich will fill the Immediate Past Commander position.
Commander White commented, “The new leadership of Post 178 will continue its fine tradition of serving veterans and youth in the Frisco and surrounding communities.”
by larryw | Jun 17, 2023 | American Legion Post 178
First celebrated in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day) celebrates the freedom of enslaved people following the U.S. Civil War—and two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
The holiday has been celebrated by African American communities throughout the country for the past 157 years. From rodeos and parades to community fairs and celebrating with red foods and beverages, Juneteenth celebrations come in many forms.
One of the most enduring emblems commemorating the day that tens of thousands of enslaved people in Galveston first learned that they were free is the Juneteenth flag. The colors and symbols emblazoned on the flag have deep meaning that transcend aesthetics.
Ben Haith, the founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF), created the Juneteenth flag in 1997 in collaboration with Verlene Hines, Azim, and Eliot Des. Their work subsequently cemented the holiday in the minds of all Americans and solidified the flag as an undying symbol of liberty and freedom for African Americans.
by larryw | Jun 6, 2023 | Anniversary
June 6 marks the 79th 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.
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.
