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As I prepare for Memorial Day 2003, I happened to be digging through some archives at oakridgeboys.com and came across this little REMEMBER piece that I did a few years ago on this very same day. Our Webmaster Jon Mir does a terrific job of preserving little bits of our memoirs, events, diaries and history in a past features section. It is always fun to look back over your shoulder a bit and stare down the pathway from you just came. It is always thought provoking to REMEMBER! (JSB)
REMEMBER!
By Joseph S. Bonsall
As I have done many times in the past while in San Antonio, I visited the ALAMO!
One is always amazed at the very small size of this old mission fortress.
It is literally dwarfed by the big city buildings around it. However, it is the place of Crockett and Bowie and Travis. A place where several hundred Texas Freedom Fighters, with some proud Tennessean Volunteers at their side, gave their lives.
Holding off thousands of Santa Ana's troops day after day, they allowed Sam Houston's Army the needed time to gather and advance. Eventually, while issuing forth the battle cry, “REMEMBER THE ALAMO!” they defeated the Mexican Army and liberated the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!
One can picture this ALAMO, sitting alone on the plains with five thousand Mexican campfires lighting up the night. Young, brave, hardened men of battle gathered in prayer. Despite the fear inside, they knew their cause was just.
The same scenario has played out for centuries in war after war and, for the most part, “Liberty and Justice” has prevailed.
There is a price for the freedom that we enjoy in AMERICA! Many have paid that price over the years and many are paying it today - for we are still at WAR, against yet another enemy, who would threaten to take away our rights to live as we do.
So, have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone. Be safe, have fun and boogie on down. However, make sure that at some point you find a quiet place, bow your head and heart - and REMEMBER!
God Bless America!
Joe Bonsall
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