Remember the Alamo!

By its very nature, Texas history is exciting, dramatic, and can be as overwhelming as a West Texas tornado. With the name Sam Houston, it was destined for me to be a fan of Texas history from my conception, and this time of the year is filled with the remembrance of a generous portion of the events that shaped our great state.

The last few days marked the 188th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Alamo. On Feb. 23, 1836, a small group of volunteers who held the Alamo were met with the arrival of Gen. Santa Anna of Mexico and his lead force of nearly 1,500 men. The men inside the Alamo were few, less than 200, and as the Mexican forces continued to arrive, the enemy’s number would eventually swell to over 4,000. The battle went on for 13 days, ending with the utter destruction of the Texican forces. Santa Anna instructed the bodies of the defenders to be burned and to remain unburied as a demonstration of his absolute disdain for the Texas patriots.

Perhaps the most famous letter in Texas history was written by the commander of the forces of the Alamo, William Barrett Travis. Originally from South Carolina, Travis was a man who was true to his word and committed to fulfill his duty to defend the Alamo. Written on Feb. 24, the day after the arrival of Mexican forces, it was sent to the delegates of the convention at Washington on the Brazos and was addressed to “The People of Texas and All Americans in the World.” The letter ended with the immortal words, “Victory or death,” which was truly the only outcome the battle could have.

For me, and I think a great many Texans, it is hard to read the words of Travis and not feel a swelling in our chest and have a tear come to our eyes. Those powerful words instill a sense of what the men of the Alamo must have felt in those final desperate days; how they were willing to sacrifice their lives for the idea that Texas might someday be a sanctuary of freedom and liberty. It is clear in my heart that every single person who has immigrated to Texas since the Travis letter was written has a duty and obligation to work and to live in such a way as to endorse the commitment of the defenders of the Alamo.

We must put aside petty disagreements and political rhetoric which divides, and in exchange, replace it with deeds and words which compel our fellow Texans to work together for the greater good. We must ensure that all our people have opportunities, that we remain free and independent, and that we never waver from those things which make us Texas: hard work, helping our neighbor, and keeping our word.

Our times are not as desperate as those final days of the men of the Alamo, but difficult political decisions stand before us, and decisions must be made. Our world is changing and doing so rapidly. We must seek leadership from those who can embrace the future while maintaining the very character and essence of the history of Texas. It is who we are and what we should fight to maintain. It is why Texas is Texas!

As you go to vote this upcoming week, remember the blessed souls of those who gave their lives at the Alamo. Remember the great men of Texas history, men such as Austin, Crockett, Bowie, Travis, Rusk, Lamar, Houston, and many others. Vote for the men and women on the ballot who will put Texas and the well-being of her citizens first, and not their own selfish, personal political agendas. The future of our Texas depends upon it.

Thought for the day: “Do your duty so that every son and daughter of Texas will praise your work this day and remember the Alamo, remember Goliad, remember the Alamo!” Sam Houston speaking to his troops just prior to the commencement of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Until next time…I remain a Texan, ridin’ the storm out.

sam@hcnews