Ted Poe: “Sam Houston from Virginia was born this day, March 2, 1793. He was unique among all Americans. He grew up in the…”

“Sam Houston from Virginia was born this day, March 2, 1793. He was unique among all Americans. He grew up in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. He befriended the Cherokees as a kid. He fought the British in 1814. He stood with Andrew Jackson and was wounded three times fighting Indians. He became a lawyer, Member of Congress, and a Governor of the great State of Tennessee. More than enough for one life. But then he left for Texas and quickly got passion about Texas independence. On his birthday, March 2, 1836, he was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. General Sam was made commander in chief of all Texas armies, and on the plains of San Jacinto his outnumbered volunteer army defeated the invaders. Texas was free. General Sam became President of the Republic of Texas, and when Texas joined the Union, he became Governor and U.S. Senator. He is the only American in history to be Governor of two different States. His example was a majestic story of bravery, boldness, and brashness. Mr. Speaker, his last words before he died were ``Texas, Texas, Texas.'' Sam Houston, the stuff real Americans and real Texans are made of. And, Mr. Speaker, that's just the way it is. ____________________”