I for (Texas) Independence Day

 

Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 02, 1836.

The Texas Independence Day is observed annually in Luckenbach, TX. The ceremony is Texas Patriotic and quite uplifting.

 It all starts with the Texas song and clapping.

Then comes the hymn.

The first responders, Texas Rangers, the military, Border Patrol, and teachers are appreciated. 

 

 

Next, the history part comes - the Alamo is mentioned of course.

 

Every year, among others, an old Texas flag is taken down and retired in a very solemn mode. It is followed by putting up a new flag. 

 

 

There is also Pistol Packing' Paula, presenting her skills.

More about the Texas Declaration of Independence - History Facts: HERE.

L for Luckenbach

Currently, I am working on another genealogy-related post. The research regarding that particular family which I am going to write about is difficult and is taking me a lot of time. However, I think I will complete it by the end of March.

In the meantime, another letter in the "My Texas Alphabet" series. 

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L for Luckenbach

No surprise here - Luckenbach is a legendary spot in the Hill Country popular with visitors. Well, years ago, we almost got married in Luckenbach.

Within a few past years, the place changed quite a bit. The venue doubled or maybe tripled in size. A big stage was built, the old toilets were turned into another bar (there are new bathrooms, though), the stream which ran under the bridge disappeared. 

The old cotton gin is still there, however, it is fenced now.

At the beginning of March, Texas Independence Day was observed in Luckenbach. It was quite a patriotic event with a religious touch as well. 

The ceremony started with firing three cannon salutes. 

 

After the salvo, the air seemed to have different properties above one of the cannons. At first, it seemed to be just a heatwave, but even an hour + later, it did look as if the atmosphere in that one area had had a different density, it was a bit shaky, too. 

You could think that it might be the presence of spirits of Texans from the past, attending the Independence Day festivities. The effect lasted until the end of the commemoration. Anyhow, most likely, nobody paid any attention to it besides us.

The retirement of the Texas flag ceremony closed the event program.

A brand new flag was brought and put up then.

 

While we were visiting Luckenbach, a rooster did not jump on tree branches as it had before. We did not see any roosters or chicken at all. Maybe the crowds had scared them away.

There was one more attraction on that day, though. It was a display of Texas Rangers' memorabilia.

 

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On the blog, you can find a few more earlier posts related to Luckenbach.

Luckenbach history by Texas Handbook Online: here

About Patriotism and Being A Patriot

When I worked as a school teacher, from time to time, I talked to my students about patriotism. Usually, it was around Independence Day, before all the school and state celebrations took place.

The kids studied the meaning of the term 'patriotism' given by a dictionary:
e.g. “Patriotism - the feeling of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it”*.

We also discussed whom we can call a patriot.

My mom's cousin served on a submarine during WW2. He and the entire submarine crew perished when the vessel was sunk by a torpedo. Those navy men were patriots, they died for their country.
All service men and women can certainly be called patriots. But what about us, who live at the time of peace and do not serve, can we be patriots as well?

Before answering that question, the students looked up the word 'patriot' in a dictionary.

"A person who loves their country and, if necessary, will fight for it".**

Furthermore, we also talked about Patriots and what local patriotism means (who a local patriot is).

When I was little, I was told by my parents how I should behave during official ceremonies when the national anthem is played. I learned I should stand still and solemnly till the anthem ended.
Years later, I explained the same to my students - no talking, giggling, jumping or dancing when the anthem is being played. Why? Because it means being disrespectful to our national symbol.

We are all proud when our national anthem and the flag are presented during the Olympics and other international sports tournaments. But what about when we are at home, in our country?

I used to have neighbors who lived not far from my place. On state holidays, they always hung the Polish flag on their balcony washing line. The flag was fixed to it with washing clips. I am sure the neighbors meant to express their patriotic attitude but the way they displayed the flag on their balcony was not proper or respectful according to me.

During the class the kids and I also talked about how the national flag should be treated/presented and how can we show our patriotism then.

Subsequently, the students, working in groups, brainstormed the answers to the following questions

#1. How can we express our patriotism / how can we be patriotic during the peace?

Some of their answers mentioning what patriots do:

• respect our national symbols,
• observe state holidays,
• work at community groups/organizations,
• do everyday duties/work well.

#2. What can we be proud of as citizens of our country/region of our country  - where we live - regarding places, things, and people?

The kids created great slideshows with their answers to both questions and presented them to their classmates.

In my opinion 'patriotism' was a really important but also an interesting topic to talk about in class. All in all, the meaning of 'patriotism' and 'patriot' is quite universal and applies not only to the Poles and their feelings. The children seemed to enjoy the class subject and the activities as well. I hope they will still remember what they learned then when they grow up.

Credits:
* Definition from: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/patriotism
** Cambridge International Dictionary of English, Cambridge University Press, 1999