March 2nd

[TXiceman]

Back in 1836, the Texas forefathers issued the Texas Declaration of Independence from the tyrants in Mexico and declared independence for the republic of Texas. This is an important day in the history of Texas but has been forgotten and pushed aside over the years. Texas history is not being taught as well as it was years ago, we have a large influx of folks from out of state and we have an even larger influx of folks from south of the border. We no longer celebrate Texas Independence Day or San Jacinto Day, but we do celebrate Cinco de Mayo to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day.

Remember the proud history of Texas and above all..Remember the Alamo.

ken

[TXiceman]

Back in 1836, the Texas forefathers issued the Texas Declaration of Independence from the tyrants in Mexico and declared independence for the republic of Texas. This is an important day in the history of Texas but has been forgotten and pushed aside over the years. Texas history is not being taught as well as it was years ago, we have a large influx of folks from out of state and we have an even larger influx of folks from south of the border. We no longer celebrate Texas Independence Day or San Jacinto Day, but we do celebrate Cinco de Mayo to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day.

Remember the proud history of Texas and above all..Remember the Alamo.

ken

[Traveling Teacher]

Thank you for your posting about Texas Independence Day.

When I taught 4th grade (3 years ago), Texas history is taught at that level (5th grade is taught American History). My students were all Hispanic (I taught ESL/Bilingual education).

As part of an extra-credit assignment, I asked my 4th graders and their parents to attend the reinactment of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. NO ONE showed up -- and admission was FREE!!!! My teaching partner, her husband & children met Jim and I there, and we spent the entire day going through the Star of the Republic Museum, watching reinactments, and participating in activities. It was fabulous!!

We live in Chappell Hill, TX (but have a Brenham address)...and it's VERY historic here. The Masonic Cemetery has William B. Travis' son's gravesite, as well as the "daughter" buried beside the son -- which is another story in itself: Travis challenged the man who fathered his wife's daughter to a duel and killed him. Travis never claimed the girl as his, and never acknowledged her in his final letter to the Masons asking them to take care of his son.

This past weekend was the annual celebration and reinactment at Washington-on-the-Brazos. It's always on the first weekend in March. Our beautiful park has lots to see and do those 2 days. On Sunday, there is always a huge cake which they serve to all who attend.

I hope anyone who's interested would plan a visit our way. Our wildflowers are beginning to bloom and April 12-13 is our Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival -- lots of booths, food and drink, but most of all,FUN!