The objective of this meeting is to review reports from committee and program chairs, share information from the Department Mid-Winter session, and discuss planning for upcoming conventions.
AGENDA (tentative)
· Approve prior meeting minutes
· Committee Chair Reports
· Program Chair Reports
· Department Convention News
· Convention City – Spring 2026 location is TBD
· Break for lunch
· Convention Planning with Post 96
Contestants must be students in a high school (9-12) program and be less than 20 years old to compete.
The 8-10 minute Prepared Topics are selected by the Orator from any of the U.S. Constitution articles or amendments they choose to speak on and prepared beforehand.
The 3-5 minute assigned topic is drawn from a list of potential topics on the day of the contest and shared with the speaker 10 minutes prior to delivery. Both speeches are delivered without notes or speaking aids of any kind.
Assigned Topics for 2025/2026 Oratorical Contest
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Article III
Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
Article IV
Section 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Article VI
Clause 3. The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Contestants in the American Legion Oratorical Constitutional Speech contests are judged on their depth of knowledge of the U.S. Constitution , presentation skills, poise and presence.
L-R: Mike Olivarez: 4th District Commander, Joanne Schumm: Post Commander, Terry Gilbert: Vice Commander – Programs, Larry Wilhelm: Member-at-Large, Mark Hurlen: Vice Commander – Membership / Historian, Thor Anderson: Vice Commander – Post Activities, Bill Drake: Sergeant-at-Arms, David Grandfield: Member-at-Large, Delmon Outland: Chaplain, Jose Torres, Sr.: Adjutant. Not pictured: Hiram Sasser: Judge Advocate, Fred Rogers: Service Officer, Ed Mendlik: Member-at-Large. Ed Reed: Past Commander
The election of our 2025-2026 Post Executive Committee officers was held at our Membership Meeting on June 16, 2025. 4th District Commander: Mike Olivarez installed the new officers.
Lazy Dog Plano is hosting a fundraiser for American Legion Post 178, Frisco TX. This is only at the Lazy Dog located at 8401 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024 .
Be sure to tell your server you are here to support the American Legion to have them properly apply the donation.
Thank you!
American Legion Fundraiser
On June 14th, 1775, the Continental Congress established our Army. It began with just ten companies of riflemen who pledged to enlist as soldiers for one year to face the world’sstrongest military of that day.
On the Army’s Birthday, we thank every Soldier, Civilian and Family member who has ever served in our ranks for your dedication to duty and the selfless service that have made us all Army Strong. Happy Birthday!
This year the Army will commemorate its 250th birthday with special events, including a parade in Washington, D.C. This date marks the founding of the Army in 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies.
We will always remember and never forget the sacrifices and valor exhibited by our armed forces on that infamous day, June 6, 1944.
What we commemorate: On D-Day Allied Forces launched a combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France. The invasion is significant in history for the role it played in World War II. During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control.
Code named Operation Overlord, the battle began when 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and 156,000 American, British, and Canadian servicemen landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. Yet somehow, due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe had been breached.
The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.
Gold Medal Winner Raymond Cage and wife Angela at the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, TN. On May 30 – June 3.
Raymond Cage, coached by his wife Angela, attended the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Memphis, TN. on May 30 – June 3. Raymond won a total of five medals, four gold medals in track, and one bronze medal in horseshoes.
Raymond also became a new track record holder in the 50M, 100M, 200M and 400M events. Raymond credits his wife, who is his personal track coach, for getting him prepared to break the four records.
Raymond plans to participate in the 2026 National Veteran Golden Age Games in Tampa, FL. on June 27 – July 2.
See videos of Raymond’s 50M, 100M, and 200M races below:
50M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wW6Xzvc2kPgRQ5jYA
100M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3rNF7DByp9xdf6uk8
200M race
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ciGA6apTvwujumds8
Activities begin at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony, featuring the National Anthem and flag ceremony with our local American Legion, Peter J. Courcy Post.
It was a great day filled with fun, food and fireworks on the 4th at the ‘Party in the Plaza’. We wrapped up the night with a spectacular fireworks show after the FC Dallas game. Check out this video recapping all the fun from our 2024 event!
Join the fun as we kickoff Freedom Fest with play-filled activities for all ages and abilities!
NEW Location for July 3rd activities:
Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway
Click on the links foe exact times:
Cornhole Tournament – https://www.friscofreedomfest.org/174/Cornhole-Tournament
Paws and Stripes – https://www.friscofreedomfest.org/160/Paws-Stripes
Party in the USA 5K – https://www.friscofreedomfest.org/156/5K-Run
NEW in 2025: Drone Show, approximately 9:45 p.m.