by Frisco Legion | Dec 13, 2021 | National Guard, Recognitions
Dec. 13 is the birthday of the National Guard. On this date in 1636, the first militia regiments in North America organized in Massachusetts. Based upon an order of the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s General Court, the colony’s militia was organized into three permanent regiments to defend the colony better. Today, the descendants of these first regiments – the 181st infantry, the 182nd infantry, the101st Field Artillery, and 101st Engineer Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard – share the distinction of being the oldest units in the U.S. military. Dec. 13, 1636, thus marks the beginning of the organized militia, and the birth of the National Guard’s oldest organized units is symbolic of the founding of all the state, territory and District of Columbia militias that collectively make up today’s National Guard.
Even though it’s not a federal holiday, the birthday of the U.S. National Guard is an important event to note. The National Guard is the oldest military organization in America. Its members serve during times of war and emergency. Take time to honor those who have protected our country for centuries.
by Frisco Legion | Dec 12, 2021 | Community, Press Release, Recognitions
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is conducted by coordinating remembrance wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
The American Legion Post 178 will again actively participate in this year’s Wreaths Across America Ceremony and assist with the placement of 48,000 wreaths at the DFW National Cemetery on December 18. In addition to this event, post members will assist with wreath truck unloading on December 17 and wreath removal on January 15, 2022. Post 178 has participated in the national program since it was chartered in 2014.
In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our service members sacrifice their time and safety every day of the year to preserve our freedoms.
REMEMBER our veterans that served and are serving America, HONOR the fallen veterans, and TEACH our youth about the service and sacrifice of our veterans and families.
by Frisco Legion | Dec 7, 2021 | Recognitions
Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. An additional 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the USS Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft.
On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a commemoration ceremony on Dec. 7.
by Frisco Legion | Nov 24, 2021 | Community, Recognitions
Members of the Nelson Middle School Junior Honor Society honored American Legion Post 178 veterans by presenting them a fifty-foot banner of poppies, saying “NMS Loves Veterans.” More than 1,325 poppies were constructed by students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The idea for the banner was conceived by National Junior Honor Society members who wanted to find a way to involve students in honoring veterans.
Elizabeth Mulroney, Junior Honor Society sponsor, accompanied the students. During the presentation, the students recited the meaning of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence – the school’s motto. Ms. Mulroney said, “The students were excited to present the banner to honor Post 178 veterans on behalf of the entire student body.” Vice Commander Ed Reed accepted the banner on behalf of the post’s members.
The banner will continue to honor veterans when it is given to the veterans that reside at the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham, Texas. Post 178 annually holds a donation drive for its more than one hundred elderly veterans. Former Post 178 Chaplain John Allen, Tim Schmidt, and Marty Martel will deliver the banner and donations in early December…just in time for Christmas.
by larryw | Nov 17, 2021 | Press Release, Recognitions
(L-R) Delbert Parsons accepts the gavel from Immediate Past Commander Fred Rogers after taking the oath of office . Photo by Ed Reed.
At its general membership meeting on November 15, 2021, Delbert Parsons was elected the new Post 178 Commander. Commander Parsons will serve until June 2022.
Commander Parsons is a charter member of Post 178. He served as Adjutant from 2015 to 2021. In 2018, he was presented the annual Jimmy D. Lemley Award for Outstanding Texas State Adjutant by then State Commander John Hince.
Immediate Past Commander Fred Rogers officiated the officer election and administered the installation ceremony. Rogers said “Commander Parsons will continue to provide the leadership of Post 178 and its fine tradition of serving veterans, youth, Frisco and surrounding communities as it has done since it was chartered in 2014.”
Commander Parsons served in the U.S. Marines from 1959 to 1963. He completed boot camp in San Diego and served in the 5th Marine Division. In December, he and Linda, who serves as the Auxiliary Unit 178 treasurer, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters whose sons are both veterans.
Welcome aboard Commander Parsons!
by larryw | Nov 14, 2021 | Color Guard, Community, Recognitions
The Frisco High School Choir, and Orchestra and American Legion Post 178 Color Guard presented a Veterans Day tribute to honor local area veterans.
The program included patriotic songs which were led by Julie Daniels, Director FHS Orchestras. Post 178 Chaplain James Schaub gave the invocation and benediction. The Post 178 Color Guard presented and retired the Nation’s colors. Larry Wilhelm, Color Guard Captain, and Ted Ruybal concluded the program with the POW/MIA remembrance service.
The program honored and listed the names of the eleven young men who lived in Frisco who have been killed in action since World War I. Each is honored at the Veterans Memorial in Frisco Commons with a plaque at the Wall of Honor, as well as a trail marker describing their service.
The eleventh soldier listed was Corporal Peter John Courcy, U.S. Army – Operation Enduring Freedom, who was killed in action on February 10, 2009, in Afghanistan. He was 22 years old. Because Peter had attended Frisco High School, a special tribute honored him.
Peter J Courcy is the namesake of Post 178.
