THE ALAMO DRAWS more than 2.5 million visitors each year, but the mission complex, which has stood in San Antonio for 276 years, is much more than a tourist attraction.
The 4.2-acre stone complex is the Shrine of Texas Liberty -- a piece of Texas history that can be seen and touched.
The Alamo is a place known for Col. William B. Travis, James Bowie, Davy Crockett and about 200 Anglo and Hispanic volunteers who fought for freedom although outnumbered by the forces of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. After holding the mission for 13 days, these brave men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom on this day in 1836.
It should be noted that the 13-day standoff was the second battle in San Antonio. In December 1835, Ben Milam lead volunteers against Mexican troops quartered in the city. After five days of fighting, Texas troops forced the surrender of Gen. Marin Perfecto de Cos and occupied the mission.
In the second battle, it is said that Col. Travis drew a line on the ground and asked any man willing to stay and fight to step over. All but one of his men crossed the line.
While the battle was lost, Gen. Santa Anna's forces were weakened and just 46 days later they were defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto, where "Remember the Alamo" was the battle cry of another group of outnumbered Texas forces.
Our thoughts today are of these heroic men and their sacrifices as we summon all to once again remember the Alamo.
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