by larryw | Jun 14, 2022 | American Legion Post 178
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 Lone Star Corvette Classic at Texas Motor Speedway. Photo Courtesy of Cadet Seaman Emma Ward.
On Saturday, June 11, the American Legion Post 178 Color Guard and five members of the Lebanon Trail Navy National Defense Cadet Corps presented the Nation’s Colors at the 32nd Annual Lone Star Corvette Classic at the Texas Motor Speedway. The Classic is a major event of the Lone Star Corvette Club. Proceeds benefit the Speedway Children’s Charities and The National Corvette Museum.
The Classic was a two-day event. On Friday, it started with a picnic-style dinner followed by laps around the Texas Motor Speedway. On Saturday, the day was full of sun, great cars, and wholesome fun. It started with a car show on the parking lot and ended with dinner, awards, and a live auction.
Founded in 1982, the Lone Star Corvette Club has over 1,000 members in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It offers about any activity an owner of “America’s Sports Car” could want.
by larryw | Jun 6, 2022 | American Legion Post 178, Anniversary
June marks the 78th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. We will always remember and never forget the sacrifices and valor exhibited by our armed forces on 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. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began when some 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 nearly 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.
by larryw | Jun 4, 2022 | American Legion Post 178
(L-R) Veteran volunteers Jeffery Anderson and Jose Torres distributed poppies at Lowe’s in Little Elm.
Post 178 members successfully distributed poppies on National Poppy Day at two locations: Lowe’s in Little Elm, TX and Frisco Gun Club in Frisco, TX. Rita Anderson, Poppy Day Committee Co-Chair said, “Both locations were very supportive partners that helped ensure our success.”
Utilization of the two locations began in early May when Fred Rogers, Immediate Past Commander, and Ed Reed, Vice Commander-Public Relations, initiated contact. Fred Rogers said “It did not really take much selling on our part to get their agreement to participate. They are both great supporters of our veteran community.”
Post 178 members staffed a table near the exits and asked customers leaving the locations to wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who had worn our nation’s uniform. Members explained that the red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. Many individuals recognized the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. As a result, the vast majority gladly accepted a poppy.
The day was a success because of volunteers Ted Ruybal, Terry Gilbert, Jeffery Anderson, Jose Torres, and Thor Anderson.
All donations received will be used by Post 178 for their programs that support veterans, the military community, and their families.
by larryw | Jun 2, 2022 | American Legion Post 178
(L-R) Post 178 veterans Delbert Parsons, Ron Bircher, and John Allen
Under a large, white tented pavilion, the veterans and residents of the Clyde Cosper Texas State Veterans Home, along with family, friends, and staff, enjoyed a patriotic program led by three members of American Legion Post 178.
Veterans John Allen, (U.S. Army Retired), Delbert Parsons, Commander-Post 178, and Ron Bircher, Post 178 Sergeant-at-Arms, played key roles during the ceremony. John Allen was the Master of Ceremonies who initiated the Civil Air Patrol Texoma Composite Squadron 262 Color Guard’s posting of the Colors and singing of the National Anthem. John was also the keynote speaker. Pastor Tim Flannery, First Melissa, gave the invocation. Auxiliary-Unit 178 provided poppies to all male audience members.
The Honor Roll was led by Delbert Parsons who read the names of veterans who had passed in 2021 and Ron Bircher rang a bell after each name to honor them. A guest trumpeter played TAPS. After prayer, the Colors were retired. Attendees then enjoyed snacks, refreshments, and camaraderie.
by larryw | May 18, 2022 | American Legion Post 178
L-R Commander Delbert Parsons, President Glena Rogers, and Mayor Jeff Cheney display National Poppy Day Proclamation.
The tradition of wearing a poppy began in 1920 when it became the memorial flower of the American Legion. This year, the American Legion and the Frisco City Council are continuing to bring attention to this symbolic flower by calling upon all Americans to honor the fallen and support our nation’s veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families.
To highlight National Poppy Day, May 27, 2022, Mayor Jeff Cheney, on behalf of the Frisco City Council, presented a proclamation at their May 17 meeting to Delbert Parsons, Commander American Legion Post 178, and Glena Rogers, President Auxiliary Unit 178, and encouraged all citizens, residents, and visitors to join together in honoring every servicemember who has died in the name of liberty, freedom, and democracy while also showing their support for living veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
Post 178 will hand out poppies at two locations (Lowes at 2773 E. Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068 and Frisco Gun Club at 6565 W. Eldorado Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75033) on May 27 and 28 from 9 am to 5 pm.
Wear a poppy the Friday and Saturday before Memorial Day as a reminder to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and as a symbol of hope for the generations to come who will answer our nation’s call to military service.
by larryw | May 15, 2022 | American Legion Post 178
On March 25, 2022, construction officially began on the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. A project years in the making, it will celebrate the recipients of our nation’s most prestigious military medal. It will be located near the stadiums of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the MLB’s Texas Rangers. It is expected to open in late 2024.
The groundbreaking ceremony included performances by the US Air Force Band of the West, the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, and the US Naval Academy Glee Club. As part of the groundbreaking, dirt was added to the foundation which had been sent in from all 50 states, in recognition of the sacrifices made by individuals from across the country.
The museum aims to be more than just a memorial or a symbol, however: teaching is at the heart of its mission. Exhibits and displays will tell the whole stories of the recipients. In short, the museum is about something that some would say our country needs today – patriotism. Finally, America has a museum to house vital treasures of our national memory.
