[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE STATE OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2011

  Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the 
State of Texas on the 175th anniversary of the signing of the 
Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Texas.
  Texas Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Texas 
Declaration of Independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. Sixty 
delegates from across Texas signed the declaration. Its language in 
many ways parallels our nation's 1776 Declaration of Independence.
  Only six days before the signing of Texas' declaration, 150 patriots 
under the command of Colonel William Barret Travis made their last 
stand against Santa Anna's Mexican army at the Alamo. Though vastly 
outnumbered, the Alamo patriots were committed to the cause of liberty 
for Texas. On February 24th, Colonel Travis dispatched arguably the 
most historic letter in Texas history, calling for reinforcements. ``I 
shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of 
Liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character, 
to come to our aid with all dispatch,'' pleaded Travis.
  The strength of character and commitment to freedom displayed by 
Colonel Travis and his men has endured in the hearts of every Texan 
throughout our 175 years as a Republic. It is this spirit that makes 
Texas great, and has allowed us to weather challenging times. More than 
ever, I think we could use a lot more of that undeniable Texas spirit 
and determination in Washington.
  It is with great pleasure I take the time to recognize the great 
State of Texas on this monumental occasion.

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