My wife’s family hails from Texas and among her ancestors is, Patrick Henry Herndon, one of the brave volunteers that died at The Alamo during the struggle for Texas Independence. Julie Herndon Calhoun carries the same family legacy defined by her love of freedom and a fierce streak of independence. I am also proud that our children, and hopefully one day our grandchildren, will display the same love of liberty.
I have often wondered how different our county would be if today’s citizen displayed only a fraction of the personal courage as the 187 men who gave their lives at The Alamo. There is no doubt that America would be in better shape if we all took personal responsibility to become involved and take charge of a government that seems headed down the wrong path – and out of control.
The real challenge is to discard contentment and be involved in the affairs of our city, state, and nation. As Americans, it is our duty to do just that.
Julie’s father, Wilson Herndon, and my father, Patrick Calhoun, both fought in World War II so we can enjoy the blessings of liberty we have today.
Conservatives are fighting both political battles at home and military battles abroad – and winning both are essential to the survival of Western Civilization. When you read Travis’ letter from the Alamo, you come away with a real sense of courage that is uniquely American. Colonel Travis’s call for help rings as true today as it did in 1836.
Can we muster a fraction of the same courage today? ~ Patrick Calhoun, Jr.
Travis’ Letter from the Alamo, 1836
Commandancy of the Alamo –
Bejar, Fby. 24th 1836
To the People of Texas & all Americans in the World –
Fellow citizens & compatriots – I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna – I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & 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, & 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 & 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 three or four thousand in four or five 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 & that of his country. Victory of Death.
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.