[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.