On the recordApril 21, 2015
Today is April 21, 2015. April 21 is an important day. It is an important day not only in Texas history, but I think in world history. But it is more important to my mother. Because today, Mr. Speaker, my mother is 90 years young. When I was growing up in Texas, April 21 was a holiday. We did not go to school on April 21 in Houston. And my mother told me the reason we did not go to school was because it was her birthday and everybody got off from school on her birthday. Of course, I believed her--and she still says that is the reason we get off--but it wasn't until I took fourth-grade Texas history that I learned there was another reason why April 21 was an important day and a holiday. It is called San Jacinto Day, Mr. Speaker. San Jacinto Day is based upon Texas history that occurred on April 21, 1836--179 years ago. That was the day that the Battle of San Jacinto took place on the marshy plains where Buffalo Bayou meets the San Jacinto River, near the Gulf of Mexico, in a place that we now call Harrisburg, which is near Houston, Texas. It was a battle that was successful for liberty and freedom for people who lived in Texas. The Battle of San Jacinto was won by Sam Houston defeating the invading Mexican army led by Santa Anna. And I will get back to that in a moment. I think it is important, though, we have a little history lesson so we understand why this battle for freedom is so important to all people who believe in freedom. Texas, Mr.…
