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Celebrating Texas Independence

Date: Feb. 25, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Arts, Entertainment, and History


Celebrating Texas Independence

Greetings residents of Texas District 24. Thursday, March 2, marks an important day for Texas. It marks the 170th anniversary of our great state's independence from Mexico.

On March 1, 1836, 54 delegates convened upon Washington-on-the-Brazos, a village located between present-day Austin and Houston. Texas' founding fathers wrote and adopted the Declaration of Independence literally overnight. Urgency was vital. While these men prepared the document, the Alamo was under siege by Santa Anna's army of Mexico.

In the wee hours of March 2, the convention voted to unanimously accept the resolution declaring independence from Mexico. On this day the General Sam Houston proclaimed, "Independence has been declared; it must be maintained."

And maintained it was. The declaration sent a message to Mexico that Texas refused to live under a rule they viewed as distant and tyrannical. It was time for Texans to assert themselves and fight for freedom.

During this time about 6,000 Mexicans marched on the Alamo to challenge the new Republic of Texas. In the battle that ensued, 184 brave men died in a heroic attempt to fend off the Mexican army. Historic figures such as Davy Crockett and James Bowie lost their lives at the Alamo. Santa Anna's forces may have won this battle, but they were worn and diminished from the fight.

A month or so later, Gen. Houston was able to defeat Santa Anna and the army of Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. The victory translated into final independence for the Republic of Texas.

As Texans, we should be proud of our unique history, and the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Our founding fathers and the soldiers who fought the Mexican army made it possible for Texas to become a nation, which we were for ten years before entering the Union as a state.

Texas Independence Day is a time for all Texans to stand proud and commemorate our rich history. God Bless Texas!

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/tx24_marchant/feb2506.html

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