congressional_record: CREC-2026-03-02-pt1-PgS736-2
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| granule_id | date | congress | session | volume | issue | title | chamber | granule_class | sub_granule_class | page_start | page_end | speakers | bills | citation | full_text |
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| CREC-2026-03-02-pt1-PgS736-2 | 2026-03-02 | 119 | 2 | TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY | SENATE | SENATE | ALLOTHER | S736 | S736 | [{"name": "Ted Cruz", "role": "speaking"}] | 172 Cong. Rec. S736 | Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 39 (Monday, March 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 39 (Monday, March 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S736] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, today, Texans celebrate 190 years of independence. On March 2, 1836, Texans fought bravely for liberty and for independence from Mexico. Many heroes, including William Barret Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett, laid down their lives for the future of the Lone Star State. It is a longstanding tradition on Texas Independence Day to read aloud the words of Colonel William Barret Travis, the leader of the besieged forces at the Alamo. His call for reinforcements reminds us of the bravery, resilience, and fortitude of those who fought and died for liberty. And today, I would like to take a moment to read his letter: 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. Signed, William Barret Travis. Texans are known for their resilience, work ethic, courage, and patriotism--qualities forged in sacrifice, sealed in blood, and handed down by the very man who gave everything for Texas independence. I would also like to note that Texas' founding father, the George Washington of Texas, Sam Houston, was born on March 2, 1793, and he later led the Texans to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. He left behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership and sacrifice. I will close with words of wisdom that Sam Houston shared: Govern wisely and as little as possible. Today, as we remember the Alamo and the birth of the Republic of Texas, our own independent nation for 9 glorious years, we remember the tremendous bravery of men past, and we renew a promise for the future: a promise to defend liberty, a promise to stand firm in the face of adversity, and a promise that the spirit of victory or death will always live on in the Lone Star State. To every Texan, I wish you a proud and happy Texas Independence Day. God bless you. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland. ____________________ |