HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner joined elected officials and community leaders in paying tribute to the men and women who served our country during today’s «Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration.» A colorful parade followed a patriotic program in front of City Hall through downtown Houston.
Houston is proud to be the home of well over 300,000 Veterans and their families and has the second-largest population of Veterans in the country.
This civic celebration honors and celebrates the brave veterans who demonstrated courage and dedication to protect and defend the United States.
«We stand here today to honor the brave men and women who have served our country and fought for our liberty and freedom. Thank you to the Veterans here with us, as we have a special commemoration of the 104th Anniversary of the signing of the World War One Armistice, signaling the end of the first world war,» said Mayor Turner.
Colonel (Retired) Dave Lewis served as the program’s keynote speaker. He served with distinction in the United States Air Force for 29 years, primarily as an F16 pilot and instructor.
He served two years with the United States Army as an Air Liaison Officer and in ground combat with the U.S. 1st Armored Division in Operation DESERT STORM. Additionally, his career included command of a Republic of Singapore fighter Squadron and as a Professor of Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. He served in the Pacific, European, and Southwest Asian theaters, including combat in the air and the ground. Colonel Lewis retired in 2009 with his last assignment as the Commander of AFROTC Detachment 820 at Texas Tech. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Veterans Services Department for Harris County.
Following Monday’s parade for the 2022 Worlds Series Champions Houston Astros that drew a record-breaking crowd and Election Day on Tuesday, Mayor Turner told the audience today that honoring veterans is more significant than any political or sporting event.
«While many enlisted, many other veterans did not ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields. They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are ordinary people who respond in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to the nation’s call because they want to protect a nation that has given them, us, so much. We honor all veterans for their selfless service today,» said Mayor Turner. |
