SAN ANTONIO (March 09, 2012) - - "I am besieged by a thousand or more . . . and I have answered the demand [to surrender] with a cannon shot," wrote Col. William Travis, commanding the Alamo in March 1836.
On March 6, 176 years later, Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commander of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, encouraged everyone to embrace the power of remembrance at a memorial service to the fallen heroes of the Alamo.
"Remembering rallies courage and strength for battle," said Ferriter. "And it calls forth pride, compassion and comfort in the aftermath of battle."
San Antonio and the Alamo are an indelible part of Texas history. The circumstances surrounding the siege and battle, and their outcome and repercussions, sparked the surge to Texas independence.
"We are reminding ourselves that 189 men from 23 states and seven countries held out for 13 days against a much larger force," said Ferriter. The defenders were overwhelmed in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836. The Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas holds a memorial service each year to mark the anniversary of this solemn event in history.
A thorough understanding of the importance of this battle and its vital role in history can only be gained by standing in the Alamo shrine itself. "Hear the sound of the cannon firing against walls and doors," said Ferriter. "Smell the gunpowder and blood. Feel the gripping of the guts as hope fails and determination and reality hardens."
The number and identities of the dead at the siege and fall of the Alamo holds great interest to historians, and their family members were witnesses to the end.
"As the commander of the Army's Installation Management Command, the organization that provides the majority of Soldier and Family services, I am privileged to witness the commitment and passion that ensures our Soldiers and Families - our wounded warriors and survivors receive the support they need today," said Ferriter.
The focus for the occasion was remembrance and inspiration for the dignitaries, citizens and neighbors in attendance.
"When we say 'remember the Alamo,' we are remembering and honoring courage, conviction, sense of duty and a willingness to make selfless sacrifices for your buddy in the name of freedom," said Ferriter. "We are acknowledging our debt to a group of brave defenders."
The ceremonies and speeches mark this day in history each year to send a message to our nation's defenders: Like the heroes of the Battle of the Alamo, they will be remembered too. That sentiment was not lost on the audience.
"The service was a profoundly moving experience for me," said Elizabeth Ames Jones, former member or the Texas House of Representatives and sixth generation Texan. "I wish that all Americans could have the opportunity to witness this memorial. It is not just a Texas story, it is an American story."
"Whenever I hear the bugle, I get chills," said Francine Rowden. "Look how the impeccable Soldiers blend with the people. Very patriotic - very moving."
Added Ferriter: "We acknowledge today our Soldiers' service and sacrifice, and we will continue to do so tomorrow and in the years that follow.
"When you 'remember the Alamo,' you do great honor to our warriors, our defenders, past, present and future."
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