I can’t help it – I have to put up a quick post wishing all my fellow Texans – and particularly my fellow Longhorns – Hook ‘Em Horns – a happy Texas Independence Day. On May 2, 1836, settlers living under Mexican rule in Texas adopted the Texas Declaration Of Independence and formed the Republic of Texas. From that date until February 19, 1846, the Republic of Texas existed as an independent, sovereign country in North America. No matter where I’ve been in the world, I’ve always considered Texas my home and I’ve never let go of the hope that I’ll get back there some day for good. No one better captured my feelings for the State better than John Steinbeck in “Travels With Charlie: In Search Of America”:
“I have always said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion….Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study and the passionate possession of all Texans”.
There’s a great ex-pat, alumni community in Chicago and my wife and I spent the evening celebrating with the group downtown. While there are many things about my home state that, from time to time, leave me shaking my head in disbelief – I can’t help but love it and I always find the time, every year, to get back for a visit or two.
Wherever you’re from – I can only wish you the same warm feeling when you think of that place that I have when I think of the Lone Star State. Here’s to home.