Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Honoring San Jacinto Day

There are many proud days in the history of Texas, but perhaps none more revered than April 21, 1836. On this day 174 years ago, Texas won its independence from Mexico after emerging victorious under the leadership of General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto. Though independence was declared a month before on March 2, 1836, it wasn't until the dust settled at San Jacinto that Mexico conceded defeat and relinquished control of Texas.

On a battlefield in modern-day Harris County where historians say the bloody fight raged for less than 20 minutes, some 700 Mexicans were killed while only nine Texans fell fighting for sovereignty. Driven by ruthless defeats that inspired the battle cries “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” the Texans regrouped and fought fiercely to honor their fallen and win independence.

Today, Texas stands as the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth. Our freedom fighters would be proud to know their determination, bravery and sacrifices continue to be respected and admired in Texas and around the world. For this debt, we honor this day as a state holiday and must never forget the Battle of San Jacinto.

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