Advanced Geothermal Innovation Leadership Act of 2019--Motion to Proceed

Floor Speech

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Mr. CRUZ. Madam President, today is Texas Independence Day. One hundred eighty-four years ago today, Texans declared our independence-- declared our independence from Mexico and fired a shot for liberty that was heard around the world.

As I have a number of years in the past, I am going to read the letter from the Alamo that LTC William Barret Travis wrote calling for help. It is a letter that energized the Texans across our great State, that energized lovers of liberty. It is also a letter that I read the very first time I spoke on this Senate floor, and these are words to inspire everyone.

Commandancy of the Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th, 1836

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, & and 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.

William Barrett Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt.

P.S. The Lord is on our side--When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn--We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis

The brave men and women of the Alamo gave their lives for liberty. But shortly thereafter, in the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texans were victorious, and the Republic of Texas was formed, an independent nation from 1836 to 1845. For 9 years, we were our own nation. Then Texas joined the United States of America. We are proud Americans, but we are proud of the history of the brave Texans.

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