by larryw | Aug 14, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Anniversary
The Pacific War saw the Allies pitted against Japan. Fighting consisted of some of the largest naval battles in history, and incredible fierce battles and war crimes across Asia and the Pacific Islands, resulting in immense loss of human life. The war culminated in massive Allied air raids over Japan and atomic bombings. After the war, Japan lost all rights and titles to its former possessions in Asia and the Pacific, and its sovereignty was limited to the four main home islands and other minor islands as determined by the Allies.
On August 14, 1945, at 7 p.m. President Harry S. Truman announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. Since then, both August 14 and August 15 have been known as “Victory Over Japan Day,” or simply “V-J Day.” The term has also been used for September 2, 1945, when Japan’s formal surrender took place aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. Coming several months after the surrender of Nazi Germany, Japan’s capitulation in the Pacific brought six years of hostilities to a final and highly anticipated close.
by larryw | Aug 7, 2021 | American Legion Post 178
On August 7, Purple Heart Day, the nation pauses to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by brave people in the military.
The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed because of enemy action. A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.
According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, more than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to members since the award was created in 1782.
On Purple Heart Day, honor those who have received the Purple Heart medal. Post 178 has numerous veterans who are Purple Heart recipients. Post 178 is proud to be a “Purple Heart Post.’
by larryw | Aug 1, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Community
August is Antiterrorism Month, which is designed to raise awareness not only of the threat of terrorism, but also to encourage regular vigilance and communication to report potential threats.
What Activities Do I Report?
- People drawing or measuring important buildings
- Strangers asking questions about security forces or security procedures
- A briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package left behind
- Cars or trucks left in “No Parking” zones in front of important buildings
- Intruders found in secure areas
- A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather
- Chemical smells or fumes that worry you
- Questions about sensitive information, such as building blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules without a right or need to know
- Purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials
“If you see something, say something” is common theme when it comes to terrorism awareness, and that is being strongly emphasized in August. Trust your instincts; if a behavior or activity makes you feel uncomfortable, REPORT IT.
Kinds of behavior to be wary:
- People drawing or measuring important buildings
- strangers asking questions about security forces and security procedures
- An unattended briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package
- Cars or trucks left in No Parking zones in front of important buildings
- Intruders found in secure areas
- A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather
- Chemical smells or fumes that worry you
- A person who is asking questions about sensitive information such as building blueprints, security plans, or VIP schedules without a right or need to know
These reminders may sound familiar; they are the same types of things posted in airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Antiterrorism Awareness Month is designed to bring these reminders back into the spotlight, serving as a reminder that we live in times which require this added watchfulness.
by larryw | Jul 27, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Recognitions
Presidential Proclamation 2019:
“In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement ended more than 3 years of brutal fighting against communist expansionism and tyranny on the Korean Peninsula. On National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, we honor the brave patriots who secured freedom and democracy in the Republic of Korea, and we pay tribute to the more than 23,600 Americans who were killed in action and the more than 103,000 who were wounded in that conflict.
“The dedication stone at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bears the inscription: ‘Our Nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.’ The memorial includes an honor roll of Americans killed in action and those missing in action, and its unique design features statues of a patrol crossing a Korean rice paddy. These figures represent the heroes of our Armed Forces who valiantly served in the Land of the Morning Calm and fought on battlefields such as Inchon, the Pusan Perimeter, and the Chosin Reservoir. Today, this hauntingly beautiful memorial stands as an enduring reminder of what it costs to defend and preserve the democratic principles, we hold dear.”
by larryw | Jul 25, 2021 | American Legion Post 178, Community, Job Fair / Employment
Every day, hundreds of our military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. National Hire A Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions. As highly trained, qualified individuals, they are ideal for numerous trades.
Legislation protects separating service members as they enter the civilian workforce. However, the best way any potential employer can honor a veteran is to hire one!
While other service members continue to serve in points unknown, the day provides their returning brothers and sisters with an opportunity. Many skills gained in the military world transfer to the civilian world. Both small and large businesses benefit from the talent of our veterans, too. Regardless of the position, find qualified candidates in a range of fields. For example:
- Information Technology – Engineering
- Cyber Security – Sales
- Marketing – Management
- Finance – Healthcare
- Skilled Trades
Free training for veterans can be found at https://www.uso.org/skillsoft.
“Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill” and do it with a Veteran! Please take a moment to honor our men and women of the Armed Forces. Offering them your time and consideration in the civilian workforce is one of the best ways to do that.