[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SAM HOUSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2010

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 
1103, honoring the anniversary of the birth of a great Texan, Sam 
Houston. Due to a conflict I was unable to cast my vote in support of 
this bill yesterday.
  Sam Houston was a larger than life character who left a lasting 
impact on the history of Texas. Already an established statesman--as 
first a member of this body and Governor of the state of Tennessee--Sam 
Houston's leadership was essential in Texas gaining independence from 
Mexico and later in achieving statehood. Sam Houston led the Texas 
Revolutionary forces in the Texas War of Independence and was 
instrumental in achieving victory over at the Battle of San Jacinto.
  The only person to have been the governor of two different states, 
Sam Houston also was an inaugural Senator from Texas.
  I have long been impressed with Sam Houston. In my office, I proudly 
display two portraits of Houston.
  Sam Houston's legacy is important to the people of Texas' Eighth 
congressional district. A much larger than life statue of Sam Houston 
greets all who come to Huntsville--the east Texas town where Sam 
Houston spent his golden years and where his name lives on at Sam 
Houston State University. At 67 feet tall and 25 tons, the steel and 
concrete statue aptly named ``A Tribute to Courage'' is a testament to 
how the Huntsville community continues to cherish Sam Houston.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the life of Sam Houston. For all 
his accomplishments, the people of the great state of Texas remain 
forever in his debt and will continue to honor his memory and public 
service on this anniversary of his birth.

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