[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 149 (Friday, September 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REPUBLIC OF THE RIO GRANDE: THE 7TH FLAG OVER TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, to a Texan, ``Six Flags'' is more than 
just the name of an amusement park. As those of us from great state 
know, the term refers to the six different flags that have flown over 
our state: those of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the 
Confederacy, and--since 1865--the flag of the United States.
  However, what many folks don't know is that there was a 7th flag over 
Texas that has long been overlooked: the flag of the Republic of the 
Rio Grande. Now, if you're from the little border town of Laredo this 
is no news to you. Laredo has adopted this flag as the city's official 
flag. It can be found waving on the streets, hanging on houses, and 
even prominently displayed in halls of City Council. Red, white, and 
black with three stars and two stripes, this flag is a symbol for a 
group of fighting Texians that will not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, the Republic of the Rio Grande was a small, unrecognized 
nation. After Texas broke away from Mexico, leaders in other Mexican 
states were empowered to do the same. In 1840 the courageous leaders 
met in Laredo, Texas and declared their independence, claiming the 
territories of Mexican states, parts of current-day Texas, and even New 
Mexico for the Republic of the Rio Grande.
  Those of us who have taken Texas history in school know that Mexico 
isn't a country keen on giving up territory without a fight. It's no 
surprise that the young Republic soon found itself facing the well-
prepared Mexican army on the battlefield. Despite several months of 
intense battle, the revolutionaries were soon captured. The Republic of 
the Rio Grande was no more.
  The Republic of the Rio Grande may have been a small and short-lived 
nation, but it captures the mind and spirit of generations of Texans. 
The Republic of the Rio Grande reminds us all to never give up without 
a fight, especially when fighting for freedom.
  If you make it out to Laredo, Texas, look up. The flag of the 
Republic of the Rio Grande will be there, waving in the soft breeze. 
Look up and remember the brave soldiers that fought for Texas, the 
stars and stripes of that 7th flag, and remember the Republic of the 
Rio Grande.
  And that's just the way it is.

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