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.
by larryw | Nov 11, 2021 | Community, Recognitions
(L – R) Opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Vice Commander Ed Reed, the Honorable Forrest Beadle, Commander – Post 71 in Denton and keynote speaker, and Immediate Past Commander Fred Rogers. Not included is Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney.
A Veterans Day Ceremony to celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice was held at the Frisco Veterans Memorial in Commons Park. The ceremony, which was hosted by the American Legion Post 178, included special guests Post 178 Past Commander Fred Rogers, Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, and the Honorable Forrest Beadle.
Commander Rogers recognized Mr. Burnett L. Sutter who attended the ceremony. He is a US Army World War II veteran who landed at Utah Beach, Normandy, France, in June 1944. For his military service in France, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal in 2018. When he reached his 100th birthday earlier this year, Post 178 awarded him an Honorary Life Membership. Mr. Sutter became the most senior of the six World War II veterans in the post.
Mayor Cheney recognized Lee Mybren for being selected Frisco’s 2021 Distinguished Veteran. Mr. Myrben honorably served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation technician from 1955 to 1977. During that time, he served six tours aboard aircraft carriers, three of which were in direct support of combat forces during the Vietnam War.
The keynote speaker was Judge Forrest Beadle who presides over the Denton County Criminal Court 3. Judge Beadle served as a U. S. Army tank commander from 1994 to 2001. He currently also serves as Commander of American Legion Post 71 in Denton. Judge Beadle spoke about the importance of veterans giving back after their military service. He shared a personal story about a close friend and fellow veteran who after several war zone tours struggled with suicide caused by PTSD. He also shared successes resulting from the implementation of the Denton County Veterans Treatment Court.
The American Legion Post 178 plans to annually host the Veterans Day Ceremony to honor area veterans and their families for their service.
by larryw | Nov 11, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Community, Recognitions
Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect of our veterans.
This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” to account for all veterans in all wars.
Today we continue to celebrate the day as Veterans Day, still recognizing the original tie with November 11. That means Veterans Day is on the same day every year — November 11 — regardless of on which day of the week it falls. When the date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, government officials or businesses may recognize it on both the official day and the following Monday.
We celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
