Our veterans
From August through November of 1918, Texans were fully engaged in the Great War. Nearly 200,000 were in uniform, many of them fighting in France. More than 5,100 would not return. They came from every community; from big cities and small towns. They were of all races, religions, and ethnicities. The majority were men, but Texas women also served in France as nurses, telephone switchboard operators, and with service organizations. At home, citizens conserved resources and helped provide for soldiers in training and at the front. One-hundred years ago, Texans sacrificed all.
This Veterans Day 2018 is especially significant, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. It was 100 years ago — at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson designated Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to honor the veterans who fought in the Great War.
Our great state of Texas understands its responsibility to serve veterans and their families and for over 90 years the state has relied on the Texas Veterans Commission to execute those duties in order to improve the lives of those who have given so much. We are committed to serving the 1.6 million veterans and their families with over 400 employees spread out across the state and our nine program service areas.
Texas is fortunate to have had so many brave men and women stand for freedom since our country’s founding. Therefore, the Texas Veterans Commission is honored to serve our military veterans, their families, and surviving spouses. We owe it to them and their families to ensure that their service and sacrifice is always remembered. Let’s make every day Veterans Day. Eliseo “Al” Cantu, chairman, Texas Veterans Commission