Remember the Alamo: how could we forget?

My Front Porch 

Sam Houston is a syndicated columnist and newspaper executive. He is also an actor, author, playwright and entertainment producer/promoter.

Tomorrow is February 23. On that date 187 years ago marks the beginning of the siege at the Alamo.

Texas was not yet a republic and a long way from becoming a state in the Union of the United States. It was a possession of the sovereign nation of Mexico and its President Santa Anna, had traveled north bringing 10,000 Mexican soldiers to south Texas. He was intent to, once and for all, eliminate all opposition to the authority of the Mexican state. Trouble had been brewing for months with the independent minded Texican population dissatisfied with the authoritative nature of Mexican government, with many expressing the desire for independence.

The Alamo defenders were facing an experienced, well-trained army, perhaps the best one in the western hemisphere. They were fighting overwhelming numbers and were short of food and supplies. They were not an army, they were a rag tag group of men, hardly even militia. They were an odd collection from different backgrounds and cultures, but all shared the dream of independence and freedom. If necessary, they were all prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to achieve that dream.

After 13 days of siege the valiant defenders of the Alamo were overwhelmed and perished to the man. Their bodies were removed from the old mission by their opposition and burned as a warning to all who would oppose Mexico. Their bravery and dedication will forever live in the hearts of their fellow Texans.

On March 27, following the battle of Refugio and the Battle of Coleto, 425 prisoners of war from the Texian Army were executed by the Mexican army in the town of Goliad. The Texians had surrendered under the belief they would be treated as prisoners of war and would be set free in a few weeks, however this was not to be. General and President Santa Anna ordered the mass execution to take place, including Colonel James Fannin the commander of Mexican forces.

The Texican population attempted to flee the Mexican army by heading east in what has become to be known as the “Runaway Scrape”. General Sam Houston, the commander of all military forces of Texas faced hardships and a divisive army, as many troops wanted to stop and engage the enemy, but Houston knew the Texians were severely outmanned and out equipped. The only hope for Texas was to wait for the right opportunity to end the hostilities in a single blow.

On April 21, this opportunity came at San Jacinto. The battle lasted a mere 17 minutes with the army of Texas inflicting over 1500 casualties on the Mexicans. The Army of Texas suffered casualties of six killed and 23 wounded, with Sam Houston being one of the injured. During the battle the enraged Texans called “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad” as they went about destroying the Mexican forces. Who could have imagined such a one-sided victory?

February, March and April are important Texas history months. We should all stop and say a prayer for the men and woman who fought and died to create our Texas. We should remember their resolve and the principles for which they stood.  Don’t take what they sacrificed for granted. Remember our heroes and remember the Alamo!

God Bless our Texas!

Thought for the day: “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” John F Kennedy

Until next time…be thankful that of all the people on the earth, you have the priviledge of being a “Texan”.

sam@hcnews.com