by larryw | May 8, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Anniversary, Recognitions
On May 7, 1945, the Allied forces of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union forced the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. The following day, May 8, citizens around the world celebrated the news of “Victory in Europe (V-E) Day.” It celebrated the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germany’s surrender of its armed forces, marking the end of World War II in Europe. It was the first hurdle on the path to ending World War II.
V-E Day was by no means the end of the war. It would be another four months before Japan would surrender to the Allies in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, known as “Victory over Japan (V-J) Day.”
May 8 had been a long time coming. The tide had changed in favor of the Allies after the Soviets held back the German army at Stalingrad, in a bitter five-month campaign in 1942-43. With the Nazi war machine checked, there was light at the end of the tunnel. However, for two more years battles raged on land, sea, and in the air. Millions of people would lose their lives. Cities, towns, whole communities were lost overnight.
At the World War II Memorial, 24 bas-relief sculptures recount the progress of United States war effort. The last bas-relief depicts the overwhelming excitement of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and civilians alike on V-J day, but it easily translates to the emotions felt and expressed on V-E Day.
V-E Day is celebrated every year. During anniversary observances, fewer and fewer of those who witnessed it are with us. Visiting the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC ensures that while their presence may be soon lost, their legacy will remain.
by larryw | May 8, 2021 | Recognitions
Armed Forces Week is celebrated in the week leading up to Armed Forces Day, May 15, 2021. For American service members, Armed Forces Week is an occasion to remember past and present service for all branches of the service. Once upon a time there was a separate occasion for each branch of the military, later consolidated into a single remembrance. Armed Forces Week is not a uniquely American recognition of military service. Many countries celebrate an Armed Forces Day/Week including South Korea, Iran, China, and many others.
Armed Forces Day was observed for the first time on May 20, 1950, the day was created on August 31, 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches. Armed Forces Day/Week was created in the wake of the consolidation of military services under the United States Department of Defense. Although Armed Forces Week/Day officially replaced separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Days, each branch of the service still honors its own day.
by larryw | May 7, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Recognitions
National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 7, 2021, is a presidentially approved holiday and is celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day. On this day we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses.
Their commitment and support help to keep our country safe. America’s military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our troops during mission, deployment, reintegration and reset. Military spouses are silent heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation, and they serve our country just like their loved ones. If you know one, thank them on behalf on a grateful nation.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spousal commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members. Congress officially made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month in 1999. Subsequently, the Department of Defense standardized the date by declaring the Friday before Mother’s Day every year as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day” to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.
by larryw | May 4, 2021 | Press Release
Post 178 Color Guard (L-R) Delbert Parsons, Larry Marshall, John Ricca, Ted Ruybal, Larry Wilhelm (Color Guard Captain), Terry Gilbert.
The American Legion Post 178 Color Guard presented the nation’s colors on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the GENSEYS 300 NTT INDY CAR SERIES at Texas Motor Speedway. The evening open wheel racing event was wheel-to-wheel racing at speeds over 200 mph.
The American Legion is sponsoring the No. 48 Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES represented by a combination of Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson and former Indianapolis 500 Winner and Series Champion Tony Kanaan. “We’re excited about partnering with The American Legion because it represents a very important relationship with an organization dedicated to supporting veterans,” said Chip Ganassi, team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing.
The American Legion, the nation’s largest and most powerful organization of wartime veterans and their families, is using its presence in Indy car to elevate awareness and introduce a new modern brand expression. The new logo will not replace the historic American Legion emblem, but rather complement it by honoring the history, heritage, and symbols which Legionnaires hold dear.
The American Legion hopes to bring attention to some of the most important issues facing today’s veterans, including veteran suicide, and honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.
by larryw | May 1, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Recognitions
National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated every May and is a declaration that encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity. It honors current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom. May is characterized by numerous observances highlighting the contributions of those who have served.
The idea started as a simple idea; to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving and to know the history behind it all. May was chosen because it already has many individual days set aside to recognize the U.S. military’s achievements.
In 1999, the late Senator John McCain introduced formal legislation to designate the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month. Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. Service Members during the month. These resolutions also urged the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe May as the National Military Appreciation Month.
Because most holidays commemorating historical military events have become little more than three-day weekends lacking focus on their original purpose, this month is to remind Americans of the sacrifices and the history we have been privileged to participate in since the nation’s birth. During the month of May, the public and the military are encouraged to support local engagements designed to draw attention and illustrate support, appreciation and thanks to the military family.
by larryw | Apr 30, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Recognitions
The Month of the Military Caregiver is observed in May each year to honor more than five million caregivers in the United States. Paying tribute to the people who care for more than two million veterans is an important part of supporting troops and military families. But for some, it is also about recognizing the work they do that qualifies them as caregivers even if they do not think of themselves that way.
A Rand Corporation report on military caregivers reflects this sentiment. “Those caregivers often toil in relative obscurity, and they are challenging to count or describe.”
They are spouses, parents, children, and relatives of the wounded veteran, but many coworkers, neighbors, and friends also take on responsibilities. They provide care and assistance, promoting faster recovery for their loved ones and thus saving our nation millions of dollars in health care costs. It is an observance that primarily acts to raise awareness of both wounded warriors and the people who care for them.
It is a good thing to pay respect to those who provide much needed care for wounded warriors, veterans with service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities. And that is one reason why there are multiple observances each year for those who offer their time and effort to provide care.
If you want to participate in the care of a veteran, no matter what level of training, available time, and awareness of the level of need in your community, it’s a very good idea to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs via the nearest field office or medical center near you to learn what volunteer opportunities may be available.
