WALLER, Texas – Veterans from every branch of the U.S. military gathered in the Waller High School gymnasium to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Veterans Day.

The holiday originated to honor the end of the First World War and was first called Armistice Day. It wasn’t until 1954 that Congress changed the name to recognize all those who served in the U.S. armed forces.

“I traveled over 100 miles to attend the service. This is about my 13th year in a row that I’ve been here,” said retired Maj. Bill Briley. “I like the fact that they have a program (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps); Not all schools do this, so whenever I’m in the area I try to stop and talk to the instructor or whoever is running the program.

The ceremony opened with the display of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michael Shanley, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 85th Sustainment Command, and Corey Prestwood, assistant principal at Waller High School, delivered remarks to students at the school. The program also included an Armed Drill Routine by Cadet First Lieutenant Cristian Andrade, a Living Statue Tour (re-enactment of the War Memorial) by Waller High School upperclassmen, narrated by Anna Bayles.

“When the Civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army in Houston, Texas, asked me if I could participate in the celebration and be the keynote speaker at Waller High School for the Veterans Day program, I I immediately answered yes. I love doing things like that,” Shanley said.

Shanley said her mother was her first grade teacher. This relationship, for Shanley, developed a deep love and appreciation for teachers as she saw how hard her mother and other teachers worked.

“It’s great to see the young students here at Waller High School supporting our veterans,” Shanley said. “They can connect with generations of service members who came before them and laid the foundation for what they can do in the future.”

Waller High School has a JROTC program with over 100 students. The mission of the program is to develop citizens of character committed to serving their nation and community.

“I believe it is important for young people to support veterans because many of our students are far removed from some of our recent conflicts. Many of our children have no reference point for these conflicts and the sacrifices made by our veterans,” said Waller High School Principal Christopher Oldham. “I think it’s important that we recognize our veterans every year and show our students that they have people who have made sacrifices for their way of life.