Editorial - Submitted to the Murfreesboro Voice: I hope you enjoy the pictures of the Texas flags. The flags are replicas of original flags of Texas during the Mexican War, crafted by artists at the Gallery of the Republic in Dripping Springs, Texas. From left to right, each flag, tells a story, and defines the willingness to maintain freedom.

Below is the description of the meaning of each flag, and the time frame in which they were crafted.

The Troutman Flag:

In 1835, the Texan’s fight for independence attracted attention throughout the United States. Public meetings were held in many towns, and representatives of the new Texas government were welcomed in cities from New Orleans to New York. Although the official policy of the United States was one of neutrality, hundreds of individuals headed west to respond to the call for help and to seek their fortune in Texas.

In addition, organized groups of volunteers were sent from communities in Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana and Alabama.

For one such group from Macon, Georgia, this flag was made by an 18 year old girl, Joanna Troutman. When the Georgians arrived at Velasco on the Texas coast, the flag was raised. It was one of the most inspirational symbols in the dark months between the defeat at the Alamo and the victory at San Jacinto.

After the Georgia battalion reported at San Felipe, Colonel William A. Ward, in command of the Georgians, led his men to the aid of Colonel Fannin at Goliad.

This flag was saluted again on March 8th, 1836, when Fannin’s men received word of the official declaration of independence of Texas.

In the weeks that followed, virtually the entire Georgia command, the “Red Rovers” of Alabama and the Texans, including Fannin, a total of almost 390 men, were taken prisoner and massacred at Goliad after they lost the battles of Refugio and Coleto.

"Give us a flag to fight under, as unlike theirs as possible. We need one and have nothing [here] to make it of, and hope the Convention will furnish one in time to hoist it in defiance of Santa Anna.”

The blue flag, with the star of Texas was selected after signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence:

A committee of five delegates, all signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, was selected and their choice for a design for a new flag was approved by the entire convention on May 11th, 1836.

The first Constitutional Convention began its work by declaring Texas’ independence from Mexico, writing a new constitution and electing the first leaders.

The elegant design was the work of Lorenzo de Zavala, the most accomplished statesman among the delegates. Interestingly, Zavala, a native of Spain, had served as Mexico’s Secretary of the Treasury, Minister to Paris and as President of the Constitutent Congress in 1824 before siding with the Texans.

Selecting a flag for the new republic had been on the minds of the delegates and the people of Texas for some time. Four months earlier, before his capture and execution by the Mexicans after the battle of Coleto, Colonel Fannin had written:

“Give us a flag to fight under, as unlike theirs as possible. We need one and have nothing [here] to make it of, and hope the Convention will furnish one in time to hoist it in defiance of Santa Anna.”

The Mexican constitution of 1824 gave the people of Texas rights similar to those enjoyed at the time by the citizens of the United States, but every new Mexican government attempted to increase control over Texas. To call attention to this, Texans removed the coat of arms from the center of a Mexican flag, and replaced it with the date of the constitution. It was this banner that flew from the walls of the Alamo.

For 13 days, less that 200 Texans held off an army of more than 5,000 men. The alcalde of San Antonio, an eyewitness to the last day of the battle, recorded: “The deadly fire of Travis’ artillery resembled a constant thunder. At the third charge of 830 (Mexican soldiers) only 130 were left alive. The gallantry of the Texans who defended the Alamo was really wondered at by the Mexican army. Even the generals were astonished at how dearly victory was bought.”

The Alamo fell on March 6, 1836. In addition to the 182 Texans who died, approximately 1500 of the best Mexican soldiers were killed and another 1500 seriously wounded. The Texans in the Alamo were fighting to protect the rights outlined in the Mexican constitution of 1824 and never knew that Texas had declared its independence 4 days earlier.

Lastly, the Mexican constitution of 1824 gave the people of Texas rights similar to those enjoyed at the time by the citizens of the United States, but every new Mexican government attempted to increase control over Texas. To call attention to this, Texans removed the coat of arms from the center of a Mexican flag, and replaced it with the date of the constitution. It was this banner that flew from the walls of the Alamo.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I hope that you enjoyed the history above. You may find the information on https://galleryoftherepublic.com/product/alamo-flag/

The website reminds us of the battles every citizen of almost every country, must confront, for the purpose of maintaining order; of their safety, of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Thanksgiving is upon us. I know that each and every one of us is thankful for our country, our family and the relationships we have.

May we strive to continue to bring stability in our country, so that, as a nation, we may dwell in safety and peace, appreciating ... this one, precious life.

Please feel free to visit the https://galleryoftherepublic.com/product/alamo-flag/
The replicated flags of history are beautiful.

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in The Conversant Counselor's Blog are those belonging to Paulette Jackson lpc-mhsp and do not necessarily reflect those of any other individual or professional.