14 • July 3 - 4, 2020 LOCAL • AMERICA Continued from page 4 Travis, explained the hopelessness of their situation. He gave the Alamo’s defenders a choice of escaping, surrendering and perhaps living, or fighting on and the certainty of death. The chances of escape were pretty good as people from the Alamo went through the Mexican lines throughout the siege. All, but one, chose to fight on. Unknown to at the time, however, was the special place in history where their choice would be forever enshrined. A place where the spirit of honor, dedication to purpose, courage, and willingness to sacrifice all for a noble cause is revered and preserved. Why, as James Bowie said, would they “...rather die in these ditches than give them up to the enemy?” Their individual reasons probably varied the nobleness of the cause, loyalty to each other and their country, honor, duty, freedom from tyranny, and, for some, like Bowie, the defense of their homes. They were, however, bound together by the common threads of their courage, their belief that it was right and necessary to fight the army of Santa Anna at that time, in that place, no matter what the price, and in their commitment to pay that price. The spirit of “Remember the Alamo” represents that which is courageous, honorable, and worthy of commitment in the hearts of individuals and nations. It was in the hearts of the signers of the Declaration of Independence as, on July 4, 1776, they pledged bransonglobe.com their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on behalf of a new nation. From July 4, 1776, to July 4, 2020, from Valley Forge to Bagdad, Afghanistan, and countless places in between, America’s greatness, and very existence has depended on that “spirit” and those willing to commit and sacrifice their all for it. It is the “American Spirit,” the very lifeblood of our Nation. May that Nation under “the protection of divine Providence” be eternally blessed with that spirit. Without it, She would not have been born and will not long endure. Happy Birthday America, Happy Birthday!
15 Publizr Home