1 Ursuline sisters — Our city has been enriched by the commitment of the Ursuline sisters to the education of young girls.
The Ursuline community has been a part of Dallas since 1874, when six Ursuline sisters came by train from Galveston to establish a Catholic school for girls. Ursuline grew with Dallas from locations downtown, East Dallas and presently 78 years on Walnut Hill Lane.
Today, this legendary high school continues to serve the Dallas community but without the physical presence and guidance of the Ursuline Sisters as the last sisters, Mary Troy and Lois Castillon, have relocated to St. Louis.
The steadfast Ursuline mission, the Ursuline spirit, the serviam mantra (I will serve) and the exceptional education remain, but our beloved sisters are gone.
Thank you to each sister who taught and served young girls in the Catholic tradition, graduating thousands of young women who have contributed to our city and the whole world.
We miss you, dear sisters, but you established a foundation and tradition committed to the education of young women for academics, arts, athletics, spiritual growth and serviam that endures.
Sybil Tucker, Dallas
Class of 1951
2 America’s nuclear deterrent force — For the past 65 years, thousands of military service men and women have very effectively served in providing this country’s nuclear deterrent capability. Aug. 9, 1960, marks the day when the first Atlas missile complex at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., was turned over to the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Air Command’s 564th Strategic Missile Squadron and was declared operational.
The 564th was the first Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile squadron to be deployed on an around-the-clock alert status with its nuclear warheads armed, launch ready and aimed at the Soviet Union.
From that date, Air Force missileers stationed in remote silos, naval personnel serving on ballistic missile submarines, and long-range bomber crews ready to launch at a moment’s notice have constantly and reliably provided America’s nuclear deterrent force. Their presence, often in isolation and under immense pressure, has served to prevent global catastrophes and possibly a world war during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these men and women who have quietly served and preserved peace through strength for over six decades and we must also honor those currently standing watch who will continue to safeguard our nation.
Edgar J. Manton, Heath
3 The National Defense Briefing Series — I am impressed with how five local military organizations have joined together to give us the National Defense Briefing Series.
The briefing on July 27 was the most impressive one yet. Two speakers from the Institute for the Study of War gave an informed presentation on the challenges America faces as it tries to stay dominant in various parts of the world. Both speakers projected a great command of facts gathered from various intelligence sources.
While the takeaway they hoped for was that we would be more understanding of the present day world, the audience was left for themselves to decide on their own plans of action.
I was reminded of the importance of solid allies throughout the world that are committed to the same ideals as America. We must transcend a dependence on economic transactions to build solid relationships with other countries. We must foster a willingness to stand against those who put personal power and nationalism ahead of a peaceful world order.
John Stettler, Dallas/Lochwood