Festive Texas Independence Celebration Takes Place at State Capitol

"When a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberty and property of the people, from whom its legitimate powers are derived, and for the advancement of whose happiness it was instituted, and so far from being a guarantee for the enjoyment of these inestimable and inalienable rights, becomes an instrument in the hands of evil rulers for their oppression . . ."

AUSTIN - A lively and entertaining Texas Independence celebration took place today, March 2, 2000, on the south lawn of the Texas State Capitol. Austin Senator Gonzalo Barrientos sponsored the event.

Senator Barrientos

Today's celebration marks the historically important event of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, which took place on March 2, at Washington-On-The-Brazos, in East Texas, during the Convention of 1836. At the convention, in an old, one room, wooden building, the Texas Declaration of Independence was created and issued by fifty-four delegates--in one night. The Constitution was created during daily reports regarding the fall of the Alamo and the rapidly approaching Mexican Army, led by General Santa Anna. The Constitution was later adopted on March 17th of that year. During this time David Burnet was inaugurated as the provisional president and Sam Houston as commander in chief of the Texas Army. Texas' independence would be completely won after the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

Parade entering Capitol grounds.

Today's events began with a parade through downtown Austin, ending at the south lawn of the Texas Capitol. After the posting of the colors by the Texas Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp., Senator Barrientos welcomed the crowd of 2000 attendees. He stated that Texans deserve to be proud of their heritage and that " . . . We as Texans have a shared heritage built on fierce independence, an adventurous and shared spirit of independence, and we should be honored to celebrate our freedom and liberty."

After Senator Barrientos' remarks, an array of celebratory activities took place. Among those performing were the Texas Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp., a reading of "The Letter From Travis" by Biscuits O'Rien, a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Mexikaoytl, and numerous musical performances from K.R. Wood and Steve Fromholtz, The Shaking Apostles, The All City Jazz Band, the Cow Jazz Western Swing Band, and Grammy Award winning artists Ray Benson and his band, Asleep at the Wheel.

Texas Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp.

Ballet Folklorico Mexikaoytl

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