Being Texan

I've often lamented on what it means to be a Texan. Born and raised in Texas, I've been keenly interested in the Lone Star State since before I could spell, T-E-X-A-S.

When I was young, my dad was a truck driver and he would plant me in the cab of the truck and point out things like Guadalupe Peak, Enchanted Rock, or Fort Parker while our glorious state rolled past the cab of his Freightliner. He'd talk about Texas people and places and haul my family to see and experience the Texas culture as a participant. His underlying lesson: be proud of who you are and where you are from. Be proud that you are a Texan.

In fact, I am proud to show my love of Texas by contributing to our culture.

True story: In 1995, I led my ag classes to lobby the Texas Legislature to name the Texas Longhorn the State Large Mammal of Texas. Now, 200 years from now, when elementary kids are learning about all of the state's symbols, one's origins can be traced back to my classroom in Childress, Texas.

As Texans, we are a unique breed. The fact that our state was once a sovereign nation isn't lost on many who live here. Our nation was borne out of rebellion when a handful of brave Texans fought a much larger and exponentially better armed and organized Mexican army. The Texas spirit is a mix of fierce independence, guts, gusto, a love of neighbor, and a love of our heritage. Six flags have flown over our state - six flags. The great state of Texas has been a melting pot and a conglomeration of cultures for centuries.

When I visited the shrine of Texas liberty back in June, I was reminded of the sacrifices that brave men made on behalf of a burgeoning nation. In a letter from the Alamo, William Barrett Travis, commander of the Alamo wrote:

"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 deter mined 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

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 & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves -- Travis"

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It is obvious as you visit places like the Alamo and other places around the state that the Texas spirit is very much alive today. I am proud to carry on that spirit as I take my kids - just like my dad took me - to all of the places that make our state, and ultimately our state of mind, so unique.