2019 Veterans Day Letter

MICHAEL K. YOUNG
President

November 11, 2019

Today we mark an important moment in the history of our nation and our university. A century ago, America established a day of remembrance for the valiant veterans who served during World War I.

In that same year, the Bryan Daily Eagle noted the beginning of Texas A&M’s enduring tradition of serving student veterans. In March 1919, the Eagle’s front page recounted the story of a large number of wounded soldiers and sailors from Texas and other states who were welcomed to our campus for a chance to rehabilitate and advance their education.

Though a century has passed since we embraced those who served in World War I, it is our privilege to keep the memories of all of our veterans alive. We will never forget those who remember a date which will live in infamy, who stormed the beaches of Normandy, who turned the tide at the Battle of Midway, who toppled a dictator during Desert Storm or who answered the call when the Twin Towers fell.

As we commemorate this historic day, please take a moment to recognize and thank the many veterans on our campuses and in our classrooms. Since 2012, we’ve doubled our number of student veterans to more than 1,150, and we’re very pleased that over 2,800 family members of veterans are currently enrolled at Texas A&M.

Although many Aggies have served our nation with great distinction, they do not seek the spotlight or ask for recognition. For them the opportunity to defend the greatest nation on earth has been the greatest honor they could ever imagine. We honor them for that as well.

This Veterans Day please join me in expressing our deep debt of gratitude as we mark a century of serving the humble heroes who have defended the homeland and returned to Aggieland to do their duty, to serve our country and to advance our university.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young