Sunny skies and cool, crisp temperatures framed a patriotic tribute Monday in Conroe honoring veterans and active-duty military men and women

Nearly 1,000 Conroe Independent School District students attended the annual Veterans Day program at Moorhead Stadium. The event featured a pass in review of CISD Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units and a speech by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands.

“We honor those who have put on the uniform of the United States of America, past and present,” Deputy Superintendent Chris Hines said. “We give thanks to them for protecting our freedom and our way of life.”

Members of the Caney Creek High School Navy JROTC, Conroe High School Army JROTC, Oak Ridge High School Air Force JROTC and The Woodlands High School Air Force JROTC marched in parade formation for the pass in review, while College Park High School, which does not have a JROTC unit, was represented by its orchestra.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of veterans to our heritage and our country,” Hines said. “All things that are great about our country, we owe to them.”

Kaleb Rose, 18, a cadet 2nd lieutenant with The Woodlands Air Force JROTC, agreed with Hines.

“This is a very prideful event for those of us participating,” Rose said. “Like a lot of us in JROTC, I have several members of my family that have served in the military. It’s a tradition we want to uphold.”

Rose said his goal is to become a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) officer in the U.S. Air Force following high school.

Brady paid tribute to veterans and active-duty military personnel for their sacrifices, and he expressed pride in the attitude and support of students for those in the military.

“We owe our veterans a tremendous debt,” Brady said. “Our gratitude should be expressed every day of the year.”

For information about the Conroe Independent School District and its programs, visit www.conroeisd.net.