Pete Sessions: “I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, tonight, we join Texans back home in a day of celebration…”

“I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, tonight, we join Texans back home in a day of celebration for the State of Texas. The State of Texas, as you have heard, began its formation not just at the Alamo but as people came to Texas with the understanding that we wanted the freedom of our own country. That is when, on February the 24th, the day after the siege of the Alamo began, heroism and opportunity filled the Alamo with ideas not only that they wanted to have their own country, but about a land, a land of people, a land of freedom, and a land that would be full of opportunity. Mr. Speaker, that is what we still stand for in Texas, a State that has distinguished itself not only in honor and in principle but in the opportunity to be a part of the United States of America, one Nation under God, the opportunity to serve in war after war with the United States military, the armed forces of this country. Texas has produced for years, not just heroes like Davy Crockett and Colonel William Barret Travis, but produced in every single war in this country those men and women who would stand for the opportunity to make this country stronger and better. Tonight, as we begin the celebration of Texas Independence Day, it should be remembered that here in Washington, D.C., this delegation is proud of not only who we are and what we stand for, but we are proud to be the 28th State in the United States of America.…”