Today is the 90th Veterans Day in U.S. history – a day to commemorate those who have served in the U.S. military.
But this year, it may be a solemn affair in lieu of the 13 deaths at Fort Hood, including 12 soldiers, following a military psychiatrist’s shooting spree.
‘This is a time of war,’ President Barack Obama said Tuesday. ‘And yet, these Americans did not die on a foreign field of battle. They were killed here, on American soil, in the heart of this great American community. It is this fact that makes the tragedy even more painful and even more incomprehensible.’
The UH Veterans’ Services Office and the Veterans Collegiate Society are paying tribute to soldiers today. Events will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Center Room 268 and will include an exhibition and video honoring the Buffalo Soldiers.
The Buffalo Soldiers were the first all-black units of the U.S. Army that were formed in the late 19th century after the Civil War.
These mounted patrols got their name from the Cheyenne and Comanche soldiers whom they fought against, according to the UH VSO. Their lack of recognition historically by the military is part of why there has been a renewed effort to highlight their achievements.
The City of Houston will honor veterans with its annual Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day parade. The parade will start at 10 a.m. with a ceremony on the steps of City Hall to commemorate Armistice Day, which marked the end World War I.
Mayor Bill White expressed condolences to the families of those who died at Fort Hood and praised soldiers who were seriously wounded.
‘I am proud of the people of my community for joining me in the nationally acclaimed Returning Veterans Initiative, giving returning veterans hope with employment opportunities and assistance with social services and cutting red tape,’ White said on the city Web site.
White said that everyone needs to honor veterans.
‘Across our nation, let us resolve to treat our returning vets as VIPs and renew our commitment to those who returned from Vietnam, Korea and other conflicts,’ White said. ‘There should never be a forgotten war, or a forgotten veteran. And let us reach out to the families of those now deployed and express in deeds rather than just words the thanks of a grateful nation.’
