A Message from Chancellor Milliken: On Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day, the public holiday held each year on the anniversary of the end of World War I, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  It’s a day that resonates strongly here in Texas.  Since our state was founded in 1845, generation after generation of Texans have answered the call, and done whatever was necessary to defend our country. 

Texas is home to more veterans than any state except California, and across all 14 UT institutions, thousands of veteran students, faculty and staff are making our campuses smarter, more interesting, better places.  We’re grateful for their contributions, and we’re proud of the role our institutions play in their lives too.  Military Times recently named UT Arlington the number one four-year institution in the country for veterans and their families – based on military-supportive policies and culture, student support, academic outcomes, and affordability – and UT San Antonio was high on the list as well.

As Americans, we are free to live the lives we choose, in large part because a relatively small group of fellow citizens voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf.  They bear burdens and make sacrifices – often including the ultimate sacrifice – so the rest of us don’t have to.

To the veterans on our campuses, throughout Texas, and everywhere, thank you. We can never fully repay you.  But we are duty-bound to support you however we can, and to honor the crucial but unsung role you have played, and continue to play, in our lives.

Today and every day.

-- Chancellor James B. Milliken