Alief ISD: Important Message from the Superintendent

Today is Veterans Day and citizens across our great nation pay tribute to those who have served as members of the Armed Forces. The following passage from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains the genesis of what was then called Armistice Day, which we now know as Veterans Day.

“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

We are fortunate to have many veterans currently working in Alief ISD. They are working as teachers, coaches, principals, in our transportation department, police officers, JROTC instructors, in our mail room and in many more campuses and departments throughout our district. One of our Board Members, Rick Moreno, proudly served our country as well. I am truly appreciative for the veterans in our district, and for their contribution to our country and way of life.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this Veterans Day will be celebrated much differently than in years past. Because of social distancing guidelines, we were not able to host our veterans for dinner and a high school football game as we normally do. This was always one of the highlights of the year for me. I enjoy getting to meet these brave men and women and listen to their stories about what branch they served and where they have been stationed throughout their military careers.

I also want us to keep in mind so many former Alief ISD students who are now serving in the military and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect our freedom.

Let me close by sharing powerful words from Colin Powell, a retired four-star general. He also served as Secretary of State and served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is the highest position in the Department of Defense.

“The nation owes a great debt to its veterans, whose service to the nation spans every decade, every year, every day of our country’s existence. Through untold courage and sacrifice, America’s veterans have secured the liberty which the founding fathers sought to establish here in the new world. Whenever and wherever the nation has called – in times of darkness and danger as well as in times of peace and prosperity – America’s veterans have been there. Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see.”

Please join me in expressing our thanks to all veterans.