independence day

174 years ago today, the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the-Brazos by 59 representatives, including Sam Houston, freeing Texas from Mexico.

The weather was frigid and gray that March morning in 1836. Bitter winds forced the Texians to huddle close into their blankets. Four Mexicans signed the declaration on behalf of the Tejanos. With their signatures, these men demonstrated a shared set of values put forth by Thomas Jefferson and the signers of the U.S. Declaration in 1776 - a vision of liberty.

Such was the beginning of a decade of independence unique in the annals of American history.

I'm so proud to be a Texan. I'm proud of my heritage. I'm proud of the fact that family and God come first in this great state. I'm proud that we respect the wide open lands we call home, as well as those who inhabit it.

During a time of much turmoil and political unrest in the U.S., Texans remain loyal to a cause we've held dear for generations -- individual freedom and the spirit of "live and let live."

We don't depend on the government to solve our problems -- we, the people of Texas solve our problems. We keep our budget balanced. Our children are still proud to say the Pledge of Allegiance. We say "yes ma'am" and "no sir." Manners and chivalry aren't offensive. Our heroes wear the uniforms of the armed services. We take care of each other.

These freedoms don't come cheap, yet counting the cost of life without them is too great to measure.

God bless Texas.