The Socorro Independent School District proudly hosted school-based celebrations to recognize and honor the courage and sacrifices of veterans and their families for Veterans Day in November.
At Purple Heart Elementary School, military-connected families enjoyed a continental breakfast, followed by an assembly that showcased singing performances by the students. This year also marked the school's 10th anniversary.
“It makes me very happy to do these things because I get to see them in real life and see what they did and how we can honor them and how they sacrificed for us,” said Bobbi Sanchez, a fifth grader, who performed during the assembly.
Daniel Griego, a parent at the school, was grateful for the opportunity to see students honor veterans.
“It touches my heart definitely to be able to see kids, you know, see what parents went through or what parents have done or what they’re doing,” Griego said.
These Veterans Day celebrations are just one of the many ways SISD supports military-connected students and their families.
The district proudly boasts 49 campuses designated as Purple Star schools by the Texas Education Agency, highlighting its strong commitment.
Benito Martinez Elementary School, one of SISD’s Purple Star campuses, comes together with the community each year to show their gratitude and appreciation for those who have served.
The school hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade, where the Patriots proudly marched alongside the Montwood High School cheerleaders, marching band, and current and former service members, who walked with their children and grandchildren through the surrounding neighborhood. This year, they were joined by the Elfida P. Chávez cheerleaders.
“Veterans Day is very important to not just only me, but to our whole community, our teachers, our faculty, and our staff,” said Dr. Kertrenia Wright, the school’s principal. “(We) let them know that we value them, we appreciate them, and we thank them for all that they do.”
Cassandra Tinoco attended Benito Martinez Elementary School from 2001 to 2006, and she is now a parent at the same school. This year, she published a book titled "The Heart of a Patriot," which was inspired by her grandfather, who was a veteran.
She said she was grateful to all the veterans, especially those who sacrificed their lives.
“It's like I tell my son,” Tinoco said, “the biggest thing to understand when it comes to Veterans Day is understanding the sacrifice of the veterans who we have here, and of course, the greater sacrifice of those that we don't.”
Click on these links to watch videos about SISD’s Veterans Day celebrations on SISD-TV News.
Purple Heart Elementary School Veterans Day assembly
Purple Heart Elementary School Veterans Day assembly event photos
Benito Martinez Elementary School Veterans Day parade
Benito Martinez Elementary School Veterans Day parade event photos