A monument erected outside a San Antonio football stadium pays tribute to the veterans, as do the words of those who knew them.
SAN ANTONIO — The last day of April marked 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War—a conflict that took the lives of more than 58,000 U.S. military personnel.
Contained in that figure is a smaller, though no less meaningful number to San Antonio’s Edgewood Independent School District. That number is 55, referring to the 55 young men and boys who answered the call to service to their country during a tumultuous war.
The number carries weight: Of all the public school districts in the U.S., only one has more alumni who served and died in the Vietnam War. Though it’s been decades, their lives – and their contributions to their country – live on through surviving veterans from that period in world history.
“They didn’t have to go,” said Robert Perez, who served in the U.S. Air Force. “They chose to go.”
“It is unfortunate that a lot of heroes have to die,” said Johnny Perez, a U.S. Navy veteran.
Albert Moreno, a retired service member who spent his entire career with the U.S. Army – and who currently serves as president of Edgewood District Veterans – put the impact of the conflict on those who served in it in succinct terms.
“It is a war that never leaves you,” Moreno said.
Nor does it leave the spirit of Edgewood ISD, whose high school football players have worn a “55” decal on their helmets as tribute.
‘They are still serving’
Every Wednesday morning, this group, along with others, gathers for breakfast.
For some, it’s a time for friendship. For others, it provides support.
But it’s also a way to remember the Edgewood 55.
“It is unbelievable that we’ve lost so many,” said U.S. Navy veteran Mario Longoria. “And that so many that came back weren’t the same person when they came back.”
“To put it bluntly: They are still serving,” Moreno adds. “It was incredible when we finally realized it was that many, and it was unbelievable. But war is war.”
Many of these veterans grew up together in the same neighborhoods. They also shared the same commitment to their country.
“I believe that was a mindset that was put in us, as far as being in the military,” Johnny Perez said.
These were young, all-American boys at Edgewood and Kennedy high schools who were eventually called to service. Some were no older than seniors in high school.
Many did return home.
Fifty-five did not.
“It hurts you because you knew them in the neighborhood when they were young and free, and then they go to do something they believe in. And, because of that, you won’t see them anymore,” Robert Perez said.
The district built a monument at Edgewood Veterans Stadium in May 1988 to honor the Edgewood 55, including 10 who graduated from Edgewood High School in 1967. It serves as a reminder to visiting sports fans and families that while there’s plenty in life to feel joyous and excited about, there are also moments to stop, pause, reflect and remember.
“At least they are remembered there for the world to see how brave and honorable they were,” said Robert Perez.
“There is no other way to put it,” added Johnny Perez. “They were heroes.”
A scholarship was also created in the veterans’ honor in 2003, providing opportunity for Edgewood students.
Johnny Perez said he’s long believed the Edgewood 55 deserve to have something built in their memory.
“Our district is one-of-a-kind,” he said.
“In the back of our minds,” Moreno added, “we just need to know the sacrifices. And never forget—never.”
Robert Perez makes sure to emphasize what those in the U.S. have because of the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“Everything that reaches you and touches you in this country of ours was provided by those who gave so that you could have,” he says. “And that makes me proud.”