[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 174 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1464-E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ALAMO: PRESERVING HISTORY

                                  _____
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Alamo is the most important place 
in Texas and in Texas History.
  It is the definition of all things Texan.
  It is about the people.
  The Texians--The Tejanos who gave their last full measure of devotion 
to a cause greater than life itself--Liberty.
  It is about the beginning of our 9 years as a sovereign Republic.
  It is a symbol of the fierce independent streak that runs through our 
veins.
  Behind those crumbling church walls of the Alamo, there is a spirit 
that has forever shown the world shown who we are as Texans--our 
character: defiant, bold, fearless, fighters for freedom.
  The Alamo instills yet today an almost mystical spirit in all Texans 
native, and recent arrivals of pride.
  187 Volunteers of all races; frontiersmen, lawyers, farmers, 
shopkeepers; men from Spain, Mexico, Germany, Scotland, England, most 
of the states and native Texians who were led by my hero Colonel 
William Barrett Travis, stood in righteous defiance against a dictator 
and tyranny.
  Such men as Davy Crockett (Tennessee), Jose Gregorio Esparza 
(Tejano), James Bonham (South Carolina), James Bowie (Louisiana), and 
Brigido Guerrero (Mexican soldier that switched sides) and 180 more, 
stood their ground against the invaders.
  All have personal stories.
  Knowing and despite of the overwhelming odds, those Texians and 
Tejanos fell to their death rather than submit to oppression.
  They first embodied the phrase ``Don't Mess with Texas.''
  It is quite a remarkable story.
  No people anywhere have such a history of how they all, gave all.
  From the ashes of the burning Alamo--the phoenix of a republic was 
born, because of these Freedom Fighters of 1836.
  After the Battle of the Alamo, Texas gained independence on the 
plains of San Jacinto where Sam Houston and his boys defeated the 
invaders.
  Then, Texas remained an independent nation for nine years.
  I first came to the Alamo as a kid in Mrs. Wilson's Texas history 
class in Houston.
  A lot has changed since then.
  It has changed even more since 1836.
  There was no Five and Dime Woolworths store across the street.
  Neither was there a tattoo parlor.
  Colonel Travis didn't buy a $54.99 combo ticket for Ripley's Believe 
It or Not either.
  The years of encroachment and commercialization of sacred ground, 
where the blood of the Sons of Texas consecrated the land should be a 
deep concern for all Texans and Americans, not just the citizens of the 
great city of San Antonio.
  As Land Commissioner George P. Bush said, ``When people visit the 
Alamo, almost all are underwhelmed with the small size of the Alamo 
grounds.''
  Visionary, Land Commissioner George P. Bush has presented a bold plan 
to restore the Alamo battlefield to much of what it was in 1836.
  I strongly support the efforts of Commissioner Bush, Mayor Nirenburg, 
and the San Antonio City Council on approval of the Alamo Master Plan 
to make sure Texans, and the world visitors know that our history is 
like no other place--because there is but one Alamo.
  San Antonio recently approved leasing land to the State of Texas to 
implement this plan.

[[Page E1465]]

  I congratulate them on doing so.
  Texas heritage is unique--our heritage is unique.
  Alamo Commander Travis has inspired my life.
  His letter was on my wall at the court house when I was a judge.
  It is proudly displayed in my office in Washington.
  At the bottom of my stationary are the words ``I shall never 
surrender or retreat.''
  My first grandson is named Barrett Houston.
  And I end all my letters as did Travis: God and Texas.
  The Alamo deserves nothing but topnotch care and preservation, 
restoration of the 1836 battlefield footprint, and an accompanying 
museum to display the hundreds of Alamo artifacts that are uniquely 
Texan.
  The Alamo, 100 years old at the time of the battle, has incurred much 
disrespect and neglect.
  For example, in the 1800's the Federal Army used the church as a 
barn, warehouse, and stable until the Catholic Church reclaimed it.
  Fortunately, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, now the State of 
Texas, are making sure history is preserved.
  But, most importantly, we must ensure that the history of the Alamo 
and its relentless defenders is accurately told.
  Including the history of the families that stayed with their 
husbands, fathers, and sons.
  There is no room for revisionist history at the sacred ground of 
Texas liberty.
  As a lifelong student of our Texas history, I am excited to see the 
Alamo and its battlefield returned to life.
  So, congratulations to Land Commissioner Bush and the members of the 
San Antonio City Council who had the privilege, honor and yes, duty, to 
put their names in history as the men and women who ultimately heard 
the reverberating ``Remember the Alamo'' battle cry, took action, 
crossed the line in the sand, to keep this beacon of Liberty forever 
shining in this place we call the Alamo of Texas.
  God and Texas.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________