[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S971-S972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Texas Independence Day
Mr. President, I didn't know our colleague from New Mexico was going
to be the Presiding Officer now, but being our next-door neighbor,
maybe he will appreciate a little short speech about Texas Independence
Day.
One hundred eighty-five years ago, on March 2, 1836, Texas adopted
its Declaration of Independence from Mexico. This happened in the
context of a struggle that perhaps is best remembered by the Battle of
the Alamo, which laid some of the groundwork to Texans'--or as they
called themselves back then, Texians--eventual victory.
I always remind people that virtually everybody died at the Battle of
the Alamo. It was actually the Battle of San Jacinto that won the war.
But just 1 week shy of this momentous day, a 26-year-old lieutenant
colonel in the Texas Army named William Barrett Travis and his fellow
soldiers were outnumbered nearly 10 to 1 by the forces of the Mexican
dictator, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Colonel Travis wrote a letter
that has arguably become the most famous document in Texas history.
[[Page S972]]
Here in the Senate, both Republicans and Democrats from Texas, have
had the honor of reading that letter every year since 1961, when then-
Senator John Tower began that tradition.
So, today, I would like to express my gratitude for these Texas
patriots, many of whom would go on to serve in the U.S. Congress,
including Sam Houston, whose Senate seat I am honored to occupy, and it
is my great honor to read the Travis letter here on the Senate floor.
The letter was addressed ``To the People of Texas and All Americans
[Around] the World.''
Fellow citizens & compatriots--I am besieged, by a thousand
or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a
continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not
lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion.
Otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the
fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot,
& our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never
surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of
Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American
character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy
is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to
three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is
neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as
possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due
to his own honor & that of his country--Victory or Death.
Signed:
William Barrett Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt.
As I said, in the battle that ensued, all 189 defenders of the Alamo
gave their lives, but they did not die in vain. In fact, we Texans
might not be around if it weren't for them. We might still be part of
Mexico.
The Battle of the Alamo bought precious time for the Texas
revolutionaries, allowing General Sam Houston to maneuver his army into
position for a decisive victory, as I said, in the Battle of San
Jacinto.
For 9 years, the Republic of Texas thrived as a nation. That is the
reason we fly our flag at the same height as the U.S. flag, unlike
other States. But then in 1845, we were annexed to the United States as
the 28th State.
Every single day, I am honored to represent the people of my State
here in the U.S. Senate, an opportunity that would not be possible
without the sacrifices made by brave men like William Barret Travis 185
years ago.
I yield the floor
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nebraska.
Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I would thank my colleague from Texas
for sharing the Texas letter with us again this year. It is always
inspiring to hear those words, to remember the sacrifices that were
made in Texas. It reminds us all of the sacrifices that are made daily
across this country by people who love this country and stand for its
unity.
Thank you, Mr. President, to my colleague from Texas.