[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 39 (Thursday, March 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  COMMEMORATING TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, March 2, 1995
  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, today, commemorates Texas' independence 
from a despotic government. During the Texas revolution, 1835-36, 
Texians, as they called themselves, struggled, fought, and ultimately 
achieved a victory over a much larger foe. These freedom loving men, 
women, and children sacrificed their all in the pursuit of liberty. One 
of the greatest symbols of the ultimate sacrifice for Texas freedom--
the Alamo--is in my hometown of San Antonio, TX.
  The Alamo, originally a mission inhabited by European priests and 
their native American flock, still stands in tribute to the 189 fallen 
defenders.
  Many of the defenders of the Alamo were natives of other American 
States. Represented and well honored are men from Alabama, Georgia, 
Kentucky, Vermont, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 
Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Virginia, Missouri, Maryland, Arkansas, and New York and the Volunteer 
State of Tennessee. To my fellow members from these States--Texas and 
Texans are grateful for their sacrifice.
  Let us also not forget that amongst those who died defending the 
cradle of Texas freedom and who fought along side of such famous names 
as Travis, Bowie, and Crocket were Spanish surnamed, native born 
``Tejanos.'' These Tejanos were proud to fight for a just cause. I am 
proud of their legacy and I am proud of my Texas heritage.
  Remember the Alamo! Viva Los Tejanos! Long Live the Lone Star State, 
and God Bless America!


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