“Remember the Alamo”
This post will be different than what I have posted before; however, it does contain quotes on courage, commitment, inspiration and a feeling that we Texans have about our place in the world. People may see us as arrogant at times but it comes from our history, the fact that we were a country before we joined the Union and fortunately or unfortunately we keep hearing it over and over as we grow up. At the same time, we take care of our neighbors, hold strong values and raise our children to be the best they can be. Being a Texan and living in an Antonio, I decided to point out the courage, bravery and inspiration at the Battle of the Alamo.
Many people throughout the world have heard of The Alamo located in San Antonio, Texas. During a rebellion against Mexico, this Spanish mission was manned by close to 200 defenders comprised of U. S. settlers who had come to Texas and native Texans who were Mexican nationals, referred to as Tejanos. This mission became a major battle ground in the fight for Texas independence from Mexico in 1836.
Today, March 6, is the anniversary of the last day of battle in 1836 in which The Alamo fell under the military forces of Mexico’s General and President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. All of the defenders at the Alamo died but the cry “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry for Texans as they continued the battle for independence.
Before the Alamo fell on March 6, Lieutenant Colonel William Barrett Travis wrote and sent the following letter on February 24, 1836 to General Sam Houston for reinforcements as well as stating his commitment to defend The Alamo. (APena)
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“Commandancy of the 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, & 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 and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.”
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A quote about Texas and Texans:
“I like Texas and Texans. In Texas, everything is bigger. When Texans win, they win big. And when they lose, it’s spectacular.
If you really want to learn the attitude of how to handle risk, losing and failure, go to San Antonio and visit the Alamo. The Alamo is a great story of brave people who chose to fight, knowing there was no hope of success against overwhelming odds. They chose to die instead of surrendering. It’s an inspiring story worthy of study; nonetheless, it’s still a tragic military defeat. They got their butts kicked. A failure if you will. They lost. So how do Texans handle failure? They still shout, “Remember the Alamo!”
That’s why I like Texans so much. They took a great failure and turned it into a tourist destination that makes them millions.
Texans don’t bury their failures. They get inspired by them. They take their failures and turn them into rallying cries. Failure inspires Texans to become winners. But that formula is not just the formula for Texans. It is formula for all winners.” (Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Children About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Don’t)
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