It began more than 11 years ago. Cpl. Peter J. Courcy, 101st Airborne Division, son of Frisco residents Chris and Mary Bush, was killed in action on Feb. 10, 2009, in Afghanistan. On that fateful day, he was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom IX when he lost his life to a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Since his death, the Bush family has been instrumental in organizing the Wreaths Across America event at the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) National Cemetery where Peter is buried.

The first year, roughly 25 mostly family members placed 250 wreaths on gravesites. The following year, 800 wreaths were placed. In 2019, 43,400 wreaths were placed, enough for every grave in the cemetery. In 2020, despite COVID-19, more than 36,700 wreaths were placed.

Post 178 was chartered in 2014. With the Bushs' permission, it adopted Peter as its post’s namesake that same year. For the past seven years, it has participated in the Wreaths Across America activities at the DFW National Cemetery. As in past years, wreath activities included three days: the first for unloading, the second for placing and the third for removal. This past year included more than 3,600 boxes of wreaths. Despite COVID-19 protocols, more than 40 post veterans contributed to the event’s success. Mission accomplished!

Wreaths Across America reminds all of us how important it is to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH our children the value of freedom.

“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldiers tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” Joseph Rodman Drake