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 | May 5, 2023 | American Legion Post 178, Community
Photo Caption – (L – R) Post 178 Volunteers Ted Ruybal, Terry Gilbert, Ed Reed, and Larry Wilhelm place ten pipes at Stonebriar Park. Not pictured is Jose Torres, Sr.
Throughout the year, Post 178 volunteers assist the Frisco Sunrise Rotary Club to display the United States Flag in many of our neighborhood to honor our country. The Rotary Club places the 3’ x 5 ‘ United States flags in front yards for six annual holidays and picks them up after each holiday.
Post 178 members locate, bury, and mark the location of 12” PVC pipes in front lawns to hold the flagstaffs. Their efforts provide a fundraising opportunity to support the post’s patriotic programs.
Recently, 5 volunteers worked three consecutive days, driving more than 150 miles to complete more than 50 installations in preparation for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
If interested in participating, contact Larry Wilhelm at larryw104@gmail.com.
by larryw | Feb 27, 2023 | Community, Press Release
Photo Caption (L -R) Jeff Cheney, Mayor, City of Frisco: Major Gary Billings, Senior Military Science Instructor: Cadet Ensign Jake Tramel (Sr, Lebanon Trail HS): Cadet PO3 Avi Kilaru (So, Lebanon Trail HS): Cadet Ensign Kai Schlabach (Sr, Reedy HS): Cadet PO3 Kimberly Sullivan (So, Lebanon Trail HS): Cadet Ensign Karina Roberts (So, Lebanon Trail HS). Photo by Larry Wilhelm.
The Lebanon Trail HS Navy National Defense Cadet Corps Color Guard was honored to post the Nation’s Colors at the February 21, 2023, Frisco City Council Meeting. Since the Colors are not frequently formally posted at council meetings, it was a special opportunity for the cadets.
The five-member guard posted the United States, Texas State, and City of Frisco flags. Major Gary Billings, USMC (Retired), Senior Military Science Instructor, assisted with pre-ceremony planning.
After the Pledges of Allegiance, Mayor Cheney invited Major Billings and Guard members to join him on the stage. Major Billings then provided a brief overview of the Cadet Corps Program for the audience.
Shortly after the Frisco ISD Cadet Corps program was introduced, American Legion Post 178 began a strong supportive partnership. Post members Larry Wilhelm and Ed Reed assisted with event coordination. Special thanks to Holly McCall, Sr. Administrative Assistant to the City of Frisco Mayor and Council, for scheduling arrangements.
by larryw | Dec 12, 2022 | American Legion Post 178, Community, Oratorical, Press Release
Photo , – (L-R) Cooper A Cobbs- Cobbs Homeschool, Caedmon McCoy-McCoy Homeschool, Kaaviya Shenbaharaman- Plano West Senior High School PISD, Pranav A Kalkunte-Independence High School FISD. Photo Credit: John Brady
Four high school students from the Frisco area were named winners and received $250 college scholarships at the American Legion Post 178 Oratorical Scholarship Contest. The competition was held at The Grove at Frisco Commons on Saturday, December 10. The four orators will now compete at the district contest in Royse City on January 7, 2023, with other post winners from the 4th District.
Each contestant delivered a prepared oration as well as an oration on a randomly assigned constitutional topic. The four winners were: Cooper A Cobbs- Cobbs Homeschool, Caedmon McCoy-McCoy Homeschool, Kaaviya Shenbaharaman- Plano West Senior High School PISD, Pranav A Kalkunte-Independence High School FISD
The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program began in 1938 and encourages high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and improve their public speaking skills. Post 178 annually holds this contest for students in the Frisco area to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. The contest presents an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship.
by larryw | Dec 1, 2022 | Community, Events
Merry Main Street Presented By Texas Health Hospital Frisco
Saturday, December 3, 2022
3:30 – 8:00 pm
Simpson Plaza
Schedule:
3:30 pm – The Santa & Friends Parade & Holiday Gift Market, Food Vendors Open.
4:00 – 8:00 pm – Frisco Elementary School Choirs perform on three stages and Kids Holiday Store open to shoppers.
6:00 pm – City Tree Lighting Ceremony.
8:00 pm – Children’s activities close, Holiday Gift Market closes, Kids Holiday Store Close
The Merry Main Street program for choir schedules, event map, and more.
by larryw | Dec 1, 2022 | American Legion Post 178, Community, Events, Oratorical
Five high school students from the Frisco area have registered to compete for college scholarships at the American Legion post 178 Oratorical Scholarship Contest. The competition will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 9 A.M. at the Grove at Frisco Commons, 8300 McKinney Road, Frisco, TX 75034.
Orators are required to write and memorize an original speech on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. Additionally, the contest requires the orator to deliver extemporaneous remarks regarding one of four amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The specific amendment will be drawn on the day of the competition.
Up to 4 winners will be selected to proceed to the district contest in Royse City on January 7, 2022. They will compete with winners from other posts in the 4th District. The contest is open to the public and admission free.
Learn more about the American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178 at friscolegion.org
