[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING GENERAL SAM HOUSTON

  (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Sam Houston from Virginia was born this day, 
March 2, 1793. He was unique among all Americans. He grew up in the 
mountains of eastern Tennessee. He befriended the Cherokees as a kid. 
He fought the British in 1814. He stood with Andrew Jackson and was 
wounded three times fighting Indians. He became a lawyer, Member of 
Congress, and a Governor of the great State of Tennessee. More than 
enough for one life. But then he left for Texas and quickly got passion 
about Texas independence.
  On his birthday, March 2, 1836, he was one of the signers of the 
Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. General Sam was made 
commander in chief of all Texas armies, and on the plains of San 
Jacinto his outnumbered volunteer army defeated the invaders. Texas was 
free.
  General Sam became President of the Republic of Texas, and when Texas 
joined the Union, he became Governor and U.S. Senator. He is the only 
American in history to be Governor of two different States.
  His example was a majestic story of bravery, boldness, and brashness.
  Mr. Speaker, his last words before he died were ``Texas, Texas, 
Texas.'' Sam Houston, the stuff real Americans and real Texans are made 
of. And, Mr. Speaker, that's just the way it is.

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