Sen. Cruz: The Great State of Texas Celebrates the 183rd Anniversary of Its Independence

Last week I commemorated Texas Independence Day by reading a letter written by Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis during the Battle of the Alamo, “To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World” on the Senate floor. 

My remarks may be viewed here and below:

Madame President, this Saturday March 2nd, the great State of Texas celebrates the 183rd anniversary of its independence from Mexico. Texas became a free republic for nine years, our own nation. And soon after became one of these United States. 

As is tradition, in commemoration of the brave Texians who fought and died for liberty and the rule of law. Let us reflect a moment on the immortal words of Colonel William Travis, the leader of the besieged forces at the Alamo. His clarion call for reinforcements resounded around Texas and rings with strength still today. And indeed, it has a special place in my heart because the very first time I spoke on this Senate floor, I read from Travis’ letter from the Alamo. It was during Senator Rand Paul’s extended filibuster in defense of individual liberty and it fit then and it fit now. It is a letter that has stood for the ages, written to us today, demanding that we stand with all good and free people against oppression and reminding us that there are some things worth dying for. 

The letter reads as follows: 

Commandancy of the Alamo. Bejar, February 24th, 1836. To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world. 

Fellow citizens and compatriots, 

I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and 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 and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and 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 and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. Victory or death. 

Signed William Barrett Travis, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.

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 to 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Madame President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.