Randy Weber: “It is now my distinct honor to have one of our newest stars from Texas, Ms. De La Cruz, come share with us. Ms. De La…”

“It is now my distinct honor to have one of our newest stars from Texas, Ms. De La Cruz, come share with us. Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to honor our heroes of the Texas Revolution. On February 24, 1836, over 187 years ago, a group of Texians and Tejanos were surrounded by General Santa Anna in a little mission known around the world as the Alamo. It is my high honor to read Lieutenant Colonel William Travis' stirring words. ``Commandancy of the Alamo Bejar, February 24, 1836. To the People of Texas and 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 and cannonade for 24 hours and 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, and 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, and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to 3,000 or 4,000 in 4 or 5 days. ``If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. ``Victory or death.…”