[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 39 (Monday, March 2, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, today, Texans celebrate 190 years of 
independence. On March 2, 1836, Texans fought bravely for liberty and 
for independence from Mexico. Many heroes, including William Barret 
Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett, laid down their lives for the 
future of the Lone Star State.
  It is a longstanding tradition on Texas Independence Day to read 
aloud the words of Colonel William Barret Travis, the leader of the 
besieged forces at the Alamo. His call for reinforcements reminds us of 
the bravery, resilience, and fortitude of those who fought and died for 
liberty. And today, I would like to take a moment to read his letter:

       To the people of Texas & All Americans in 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 Barret Travis.

  Texans are known for their resilience, work ethic, courage, and 
patriotism--qualities forged in sacrifice, sealed in blood, and handed 
down by the very man who gave everything for Texas independence.
  I would also like to note that Texas' founding father, the George 
Washington of Texas, Sam Houston, was born on March 2, 1793, and he 
later led the Texans to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. He left 
behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership and sacrifice.
  I will close with words of wisdom that Sam Houston shared:

       Govern wisely and as little as possible.

  Today, as we remember the Alamo and the birth of the Republic of 
Texas, our own independent nation for 9 glorious years, we remember the 
tremendous bravery of men past, and we renew a promise for the future: 
a promise to defend liberty, a promise to stand firm in the face of 
adversity, and a promise that the spirit of victory or death will 
always live on in the Lone Star State.
  To every Texan, I wish you a proud and happy Texas Independence Day. 
God bless you.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.

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