PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE – September 11

PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE – September 11

September 11 marks a tragic day in U.S. history, but the date has also been chosen to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Patriot Day honors the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Each year Americans dedicate this day to remembering those who died and to the first responders who risked their own lives to save others.

On December 18, 2001, President George W. Bush officially designated September 11th as Patriot Day.

The day has also been designated as a day that the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown, not just until noon as is done on Memorial Day. In addition, the people of the United States are asked to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in remembrance of the victims

20th Year Remembrance of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

20th Year Remembrance of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Please save the date to join the City of Frisco and the Frisco Garden Club on September 11 at 6 p.m. for the 20-Year Remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The ceremony will be at Freedom Meadow in Warren Sports Complex, located at 7599 Eldorado Pkwy. The annual remembrance honors the memory of those who died in the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Color Guard Motto “Have Flags Will Travel”

Color Guard Motto “Have Flags Will Travel”

    Post 178 Color Guard events during May 2021.
 Photo #1 – Texas Gold Star Families Memorial Dedication
 Photo #2 – Memorial Day Program at Sunrise Senior Living
 Photo #3 – 31st Annual Lone Star Corvette Classic at Texas Motor Speedway
 Photo #4 – Armed Forces Day Celebration at Prairie Estates Skilled Nursing
 Photo #5 – Texas Motor Speedway INDYCAR Race
 Photo #6 –  Memorial Day Observance at Frisco Commons Park
 Photo #7 – Armed Forces Day at Frisco Roughriders Game
 Photo #8 – Allen Americans Hockey

The American Legion Post 178 Color Guard has been in high demand in 2021.  Its participation in events during 2020 were almost nonexistent because of the pandemic.  But as COVID-19 restrictions have eased, requests to present the Nation’s Colors have increased dramatically.

The guard maintains a remarkably busy schedule for presenting the Nation’s Colors in Frisco and surrounding communities at numerous events, such as grand openings, ballgames, schools, holidays, community events and American Legion functions. Its Honor Guard also performs funerals and memorial services for area veterans and members of Post 178 upon request of the family.  It also is qualified to perform services at the D/FW National Cemetery.

The guard was formed in 2014, the same year Post 178 was chartered.  It currently has 12 members who fill various positions: flags, rifles, bugle, saber, and detail leader. In 2020 because of COVID-19, the number of events were reduced to ten. The number of events was 40 and 58 in 2019 and 2018, respectively.  In May 2020 only 1 event was completed, however, 8 were completed in May 2021. The number of events should return to normal levels in 2022.

Besides time dedicated to scheduled events, practice is held monthly.  Additionally, members pay more than half of the $400 in uniform costs.  The post also has a Service Flag Detail that presents the flags of the United States Services and averages 3-4 events per year.

Post 178 is proud of its Color/Honor Guard.  It provides services at no cost, but accepts donations, and welcomes interested parties to contact Color Guard Captain Larry Wilhelm at friscolegion.colorguard@gmail.com. To learn more visit friscolegion.org.

Post 178 Provides Memorial Day Programs

Post 178 Provides Memorial Day Programs

Vice Commander Rick Redden presenting a Memorial Day program to Parsons House residents. Photography by Ed Reed.

The American Legion Post 178 recently provided Memorial Day programs to Frisco’s Parsons House and Sunrise Senior Living facilities.  The Color Guard posted and retired the Nation’s Colors.  Vice Commander Rick Redden lead the residents in a participatory program about the Memorial Day.  The residents enjoyed sharing information about their personal military service as well as that about family members.  Veterans from various wars, including World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, actively participated.  The program has been given for several years at various senior living facilities in Frisco and surrounding communities.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 178  To Distribute Poppies on National Poppy Day

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 178 To Distribute Poppies on National Poppy Day

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 178 members, (L-R) Tracy Gamble and Virginia Mendlik, greeted shoppers with poppies in 2020 at the Frisco Lowe’s Home Improvement.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 178 members, (L-R) Tracy Gamble and Virginia Mendlik, greeted shoppers with poppies in 2020 at the Frisco Lowe’s Home Improvement.

 

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Its growth was attributed to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by World War I.  The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battles following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

The poppy became the official flower of The American Legion on September 22, 1920 to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during World War I.  In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

The American Legion Auxiliary has used poppies for many years to raise awareness and support for our nation’s veterans. This year the American Legion Auxiliary will continue to bring attention to this symbolic flower by calling upon all Americans to honor the fallen and support the living on National Poppy Day, May 28,2021.

Since 2015 Auxiliary Unit 178 has distributed poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with medical and financial needs.

On Saturday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. members of Auxiliary Unit 178 will distribute poppies at Lowe’s Home Improvement at 3360 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75034.

On National Poppy Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.