As Veterans Day approached on Nov. 11, campuses in the Socorro Independent School District hosted various events, from festive parades to heartfelt ceremonies, to honor the bravery and sacrifice of local veterans and their families.
The celebrations highlighted SISD’s dedication to being all in for supporting military-connected students and their family members. The district proudly boasts 46 campuses designated as Purple Star schools by the Texas Education Agency. This honor recognizes schools that show a strong commitment to providing comprehensive support for students from military families.
One of these Purple Star campuses is Purple Heart Elementary School, home to about 175 military-affiliated students. On Nov. 7, the school hosted a continental breakfast followed by an assembly to celebrate families of active-duty personnel, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members.
Principal Gloria Aguirre said events such as these are meant to demonstrate the "special care and love" the school has for students from military backgrounds and their family members.
“We start at the Pre-K level with making sure and having everyone know the importance of the services (service members) provided to our country, the dedication,” Aguirre said. “But also, the impact that it plays on the families that are left behind as their service members are gone.”
Students performed patriotic songs such as “America the Beautiful” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” They also thanked veterans for their service.
This was the first time Navy veteran Jenny Morales wore her uniform to the annual event, encouraged by her sons who are in second and third grade.
“I didn't serve to get any recognition,” Morales said. “I didn't serve thinking of what my kids might want in the future, and it feels very beautiful to know that they're proud.”
Purple Heart Veterans Day event photos
Veterans Day mixer celebrates connections
Purple Star campuses in the El Dorado High School feeder pattern celebrated military-connected families with vibrant dance and music performances at the high school’s fourth annual Veterans Day Mixer on November 6.
In addition to enjoying the entertainment, attendees met with administrators from the feeder pattern and obtained valuable information about the services and resources available to military-affiliated families.
El Dorado High School’s military family liaison, Mark Perez, said the event was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the district’s relationship with the Fort Bliss Army post. The high school supports about 268 children from military families, providing them with programs and resources tailored to their unique needs.
“We continue to build that bond with our military-connected family by providing programs that are accessible to our military-connected kids,” Perez said. “Programs that help them reintegrate and integrate into the school seamlessly without any issues, and also just paying homage to our military-connected families and showing them that we got your back, you have ours.”
Army veteran Felix Rojo and his family relocated to Fort Bliss in 2009. This was the first time he attended the mixer. His youngest son is a student at Hurshel Antwine Middle School in the El Dorado feeder pattern. He said the event was a great opportunity to spend time with his children.
“I think the district does a really good job interacting with the parents, the community, and it's not only the service member, but the family also does a great deal of sacrifice,” Rojo said. “And it’s nice to be recognized.”
El Dorado feeder pattern Veterans Day mixer event photos
Community salutes military heroes at annual Veterans Day parade
The community rallied together to honor veterans and active service members during Benito Martinez Elementary School’s annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 8.
Principal Dr. Kertrenia Wright said this was the 12th year the school organized the parade, which wound through the surrounding neighborhood.
The Patriots proudly marched in the parade alongside the Montwood High School cheerleaders, marching band, and current and former service members, who walked with their children and grandchildren.
Dr. Wright emphasized the importance of teaching students about the significance of Veterans Day, highlighting how the national holiday represents sacrifice and service. The Purple Star designated school serves close to 50 military-connected students.
“Veterans do so much for us. They fight for our country; they (fight) for the rights that we have and the privilege that we have come from our veterans,” Wright said. “It is a privilege and an honor to be in school (and) to have an education. When (students) know the meaning behind Veterans Day, they own it. It makes it very special.”
Army veteran Jimmy Estrada completed his military service in May after five and a half years. A member of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Tribal Police Department, this was the first year Estrada participated in the parade.
“I wanted to put on the uniform and just come and show the kids that being in the military is not a bad thing. It opens up a lot of doors,” Estrada said.
Benito Martinez Veterans Day Parade event photos
Veterans Day festivities honor service members and families
Hueco and H.D. Hilley elementary schools, both Purple Star campuses in the Socorro High School feeder pattern, hosted fun-filled Veterans Day festivities to honor military service heroes and their families for their contributions to the US and local communities.
On November 8, Army Sgt. Guadalupe Hill watched the parade at Hueco Elementary School with her daughter, a preschooler at the school.
Students held up red, white and blue signs thanking soldiers for their service as they marched alongside the Socorro High School band, cheerleaders and drum line on Nov. 8.
“It means a lot because it’s a big sacrifice being away from home. It’s not my first tour away from home, but it means a lot to spend a little bit of time with them,” Hill said.
At H.D. Hilley Elementary, Edwin Torres, an active-duty service member, enjoyed watching the Mustangs perform patriotic songs during the school’s Nov. 8 Veterans Day ceremony.
Students danced while singing “This Land is Your Land.” During the ceremony, images of students' family members who served in the military were displayed on a screen.
"It feels good to see all veterans that used to serve. It's not easy," Torres said. "But seeing all those kids giving that support, like all the hard work (veterans) did, is not in vain."