Stirpes, Volume 34, Number 1, March 1994 Page: 19

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St. Patrick's Day Remarks at the Alamo
To the San Antonio Harp & Shamrock Society
By Anna Hartman, DRT Alamo Committee Chairman
Good afternoon to everyone, ladies, gentlemen and honored guests. My name is Anna
Hartman. I am the Alamo Committee Chairman for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas,
the official custodians of the Alamo.
On behalf of the DRT and the people of Texas, I welcome you today to this special
wreath-laying ceremony recognizing those Alamo Defenders who claimed Ireland as their
mother country.
I feel it is particularly fitting on this solemn occasion to comment on the pride the
Daughters of the Republic of Texas take in their inclusive philosophy with regard to the
diverse origins of many of the Alamo Defenders. Much time and effort has been expended
working with noted historians - coordinating, collecting and researching the information
necessary to compile the list of Defenders from which descendants can trace their roots.
Having served on six Alamo Committees, it has always been a pleasure to welcome the
San Antonio Harp and Shamrock Society to the Alamo. As chairman of the committee, and as
a descendant of an Irish martyr who also died for freedom, I am particularly proud to join
hands with you today to honor those Irish sons who died March 6, 1836.
I hope that you dedicated members of the San Antonio Harp and Shamrock Society will
join me in protecting our Texas heritage by helping maintain the dignity and honor of the
Alamo heroes. Let us not re-write history too hastily.
Today, the Daughters are being told that they are ignoring or down-playing the role of
certain ethnic groups in the fight against tyranny that took place on these hallowed grounds.
As is usually the case with such attacks, the charges are made in ignorance of the
available facts. Today's ceremony is clear evidence of how wrong these detractors are on this
issue.
One of the most colorful aspects of the celebration known as Alamo Heroes Day at the
Alamo is the flag ceremony inside the shrine. We display the flag of those countries with
historically documented ethnic participants in the fateful battle. During the ceremony, even the
Mexican flag is recognized for those Tejanos who chose to oppose Santa Anna's dictatorship.
The Irish Flag, I might add, also flies on that day as well.
Recently, a newly formed group of African-Americans honored their ancestors in front
of the Alamo with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, as have various ethnic groups.
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas believe all this is overwhelming evidence that
the Alamo rises above ethnic lines.
The Alamo Defenders, varied as they were by background, culture and social status,
united to fight oppression and tyranny at the hands of an unresponsive dictator.
Today, we also must unite to protect the Alamo against contemporary forces who seek
to destroy the shrine's symbolic meaning.
The Alamo creates a pride that we all share, equally.
The Alamo should continue to be a unifying force for our city and our state, a unifying
force for our country and the entire Free World, just as it was for the Defenders 158 years
ago, and just as it does today for all who oppose tyranny around the globe.
Today, we are here to recognize the contributions of those of Irish blood who were
part of that valiant force who died during that fierce battle.
Again, welcome to the Alamo.

19

MARCH 1004

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Texas State Genealogical Society. Stirpes, Volume 34, Number 1, March 1994, periodical, March 1994; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth39868/m1/21/ocr/: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Genealogical Society.

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