Texas Independence Day isn’t until tomorrow, March 2, but I wanted to give you non-Texans a head start on a Texas tradition.
As Lyle Lovette says: "No, you’re not from Texas. But Texas wants you anyway."
So, here’s what you do. On Friday, whenever you like–sunrise is a decent time–you take out of your wallet your folded printout of this post, and read the following aloud, with a measured cadence and a certain solemnity:
Commandancy of the Alamo
Bexar, Feby. 24th, 1836
To the People of Texas & 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 &
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 despatch–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 Barret Travis, Lt. Col. comdt.
Much more detail at this classic site.
THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER 