A piece of history was honored Thursday, March 6 as Erath County and the Alamo Letter Society dedicated its own ‘Alamo Letter’ on Alamo Heroes Day.
The William Barrett Travis Letter will forever be a part of Erath County as a plaque along with a base was erected outside the county courthouse in downtown Stephenville. The monument is a permanent fixture that faces Greer’s for those who want to see the letter.
The Alamo Letter Society is attempting to get the famous letter from Travis at all courthouses throughout Texas – one for all 254 counties. The Alamo Letter Society mission is to educate school children, new Texans, and future generations, of their forefathers’ armed struggle for Liberty and Freedom, through the placement of the letter.
Scott and Carol Dissmukes paid for the base for the plaque at $3,500 and Erath County paid $4,500 for the bronze letter that sits atop.
On March 6, a dedication ceremony occurred with many in attendance including students from area schools.
Ceremonies were kicked off by County Judge Brandon Huckabee who welcomed everyone to the event.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank a couple of people – Scott and Carol Dissmukes who donated the money for the base of the plaque. This wouldn’t have happened without you,” he said. He also thanked the commissioners who voted to support the project and many others who aided with the remembrance ceremony.
“I want to thank a very special person, Jocelyn Perez, who has taken the lead on this from the very beginning and has worked tirelessly with all these groups to ensure its completion, and made sure we had this wonderful celebration we are having today,” Huckabee said.
“It’s an absolute honor to stand here today on March 6 –Alamo Heroes Day – as the great-great-great-greatgreat- grandson of Daniel and Precilla Gilleland who were members of the Austin’s Old Three Hundred colony as we dedicate this monument to one of the most iconic documents in Texas History,” the judge said. “The letter written by Lt. Col. William Barrett Travis from the Alamo on Feb. 24, 1836. With unwavering courage Travis called upon the people of Texas and all Americans in the world to come to their aid, pledging his life in defense of liberty. His words bold, defiant, immortal became a rallying cry for independence and a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for freedom.”
Huckabee said with the unveiling of the monument not only were they honoring Travis and his brave comrades, but also were reaffirming their commitment to remembering the sacrifices that shape Texas and the nation.
As part of the ceremony an invocation was offered by Curt Plaxco and the posting of the colors by the Tarleton Corps of Cadets.
The Pledge to the U.S. flag was led by Erath County Commissioner Dee Stephens and the Texas Pledge was led by Commissioner Sherman Edwards.
Voices rang out in the audience and by Tarleton’s choir in a moving rendition of ‘Texas Our Texas.’
A special presentation was given by Hood County Judge Ron Massingill who presented the Erath County Commissioners Court the Alamo Rider, Captain Albert Martin Award on behalf of the Alamo Letter Society.
Erath County Historical Society Chairman Larry Smith read a proclamation regarding the dedication and Huckabee shared Travis’ letter with the audience. During the reading, Huckabee paused while the Corps of Cadets shot an antique cannon.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Taps was played in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
Commandancy of the The Alamo
Bejar, Feby. 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 & 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 & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country - Victory or Death.
William Barret Travis. Lt. Col.comdt. P. S. The Lord is on our side - When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn - We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.
Travis