United ISD on Veterans Day joined forces with thousands across the state and country to celebrate our retired and active service members. It was a wonderful celebration hosted by Ricardo Molina Middle School administrators, faculty, staff and students. The veterans in attendance included members from our community, UISD employees and relatives of students and staff from Molina Middle School. “This is a day to bring us back and reflect on what we have. I think a lot of times we take it for granted,” said the school’s principal, Alfredo Palapa.
Veterans and Active Duty Service Members with Molina Administration
To honor our heroes, they were treated with breakfast and pastries before a special ceremony. Father of 6, Victor Salinas, who is in the Army said he just returned back home after being away for a year. “We went to Kuwait for 15 days and then we flew into Iraq where we started our deployment. While we were there we had 36 confirmed attacks,” Salinas explained. “Rockets, missiles, drones which some landed on base but luckily no one got hurt or injured severely.” Salinas looked at his wife and daughter, thankful to be by their side at this event that not only honored him but his wife, Belen Salinas who also served in the Army for 6 years.
Victor Salinas, veteran Belen Salinas and daughter Victoria Salinas
As the veterans and active service members walked over to the ceremony, students greeted them as they entered the gym which was decorated with beautiful patriotic pictures designed by artists at the school. They also enjoyed some wonderful cheer, dance, band and mariachi performances, along with heart-felt poems written by Molina 6-8th grade students. “It’s a way to get the whole school to recognize and thank our veterans, show some appreciation for allowing us to have the democracy, freedom and justice that we enjoy,” Palapa added.
Students show their appreciation with a fist pump.
Armando Morin, son Adrian and wife Rosa Morin.
“It’s an honor to serve this great country. This shows us they are grateful for us veterans that have served in protecting our country,” said Armando Morin who served 13 years with the Army, deploying 4 times.
Guest Speaker Eloy Morales, shared his story as an Army Infantry Airborne Specialist. He also reflected on his dad’s service as a Vietnam Veteran and encouraged students to reach their goals. He now serves as a Watch Commander with the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
