Texas State Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) filed House Bill 724 to make March 6 Alamo Day, a day to officially recognize The Battle of the Alamo.
The Battle of the Alamo was, of course, a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution.
The bill was read before the Texas Legislature on Feb. 20 and referred to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee.
Below is a statement from Villalba, a fourth-generation Texan representing House District 114 (Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow and Northwest Dallas), about the bill:
"Alamo Day will celebrate the heroic actions of the volunteer Texan soldiers who occupied the Alamo during Texas' war for independence from Mexico. Regardless of their lack of manpower and sufficient troops, these brave Texans remained steadfastly dedicated to protecting the Franciscan fort in San Antonio. After a bloody thirteen day struggle, Mexican forces overtook the Alamo on March 6, 1836. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his troops occupied the Alamo from March to May of that year. Sam Houston led the Texas Army in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, the battle that ultimate won them the Revolution. It was there that they shouted "Remember the Alamo!" in honor of those who fell at the Alamo.
Rather than establishing Alamo Day as April 21, Rep. Villalba contends that the loyalty demonstrated at the Fall of the Alamo demonstrates the character of the men and women responsible for the Great State we know and love today. Representative Villalba said, 'We remember March 6 because of our Texan Forefathers' sacrifices for our Great State. The perseverance they showed during hardship defines their character - not only their actions in times of victory, but also in moments of crisis. Alamo Day will celebrate the importance of Texan fortitude in pursuit of a goal, during the highs and the lows.'
Villalba's bill is similar to Senate Bill 759, filed by State Sen. José Menéndez, which would also make March 6 a state holiday, "Remember the Alamo Day," in honor of Davy Crockett, Gregorio Esparza, James Bowie, Toribio Losoya, William B. Travis, and all who fought and died at the battle of the Alamo for the independence of the great State of Texas.
If passed, the bill would take effect Sept. 1 with the first Alamo Day being celebrated March 6, 2018.
