Rockwall, TX (February 29, 2024) – Rockwall County Historical Foundation recently held a patriotic commemoration and unveiling event of William Barret Travis’ “Victory or Death” letter from the siege of the Alamo. The event held February 24 was exactly 188 years following the penning of his poignant letter.
Travis’ letter spoke of the need for reinforcements to continue the battle for independence. However, Travis also spoke to his unwillingness to surrender and that they would prevail in victory or death. The letter concludes with a reference to God’s provision for their troops. But today the letter has an even greater message for our generation and those that follow.
Lorne Liechty, Project Chair, hinted at the significance of the letter while introducing Mitch Carr, former KRLD News Anchor, to share a powerful reading.
The letter “defines the spirit of Texas” said special guest, State Senator Bob Hall. “We have been given a great country by people and a lot of bloodshed to protect the liberties we currently have.” Further adding, how proud he was of Rockwall County’s event being one of the first in the state to highlight the Travis letter and his hope it would help will help enlighten others of the spirit of Texas.
Bill McNutt of the Alamo Letter Society recalled what was the beginning of the movement to share the letter throughout the state. As his family stood at the Alamo in January 2023, his daughter, Sloan, commented on how wonderful the letter was and it should be placed on plaques all around Texas saying, “It is different when you see it… rather than when you just read about it in a book”.
Sloan, the idea originator, and current 8th grade student, addressed the assembled crowd in Rockwall saying, “When I came up with this, I didn’t expect it would garner this big of a following.” Further adding that the letter “embodies the American spirit” of never surrender and helps to honors Tejanos who sided with Texas during their battle for independence from Mexico.
On behalf of the Alamo Letter Society, McNutt presented the Captain Albert Martin award to Lorne Liechty. Captain Martin, commanded by Colonel Travis, rode through the Mexican Army to present the Travis Letter, and issue the call for reinforcements. After completing his courier mission, Martin could have stayed in safety away from the Alamo but instead he chose to return, to fight, and died a hero. McNutt stated, that Liechty’s actions in highlighting the Travis Letter helps “continue the work of Captain Albert Martin by publicizing and extending this letter wherever we can.”
Rockwall County itself has a direct connection to the events at the Alamo, besides the strong patriotism and love for Texas that prevails in the county. Giving a personal glimpse into the significance of the siege and the letter was John Stacy, Rockwall County Commissioner, Precinct 4. Stacy shared a story passed down by his great grandmother that highlighted his familial participation in the colonization of Texas. Later giving land to William Travis and helping organize the militia.
Summarizing the letter and the significance of the event. Stacy asked, “What makes the Alamo so memorable? Why is this letter so special?” During the battle, Travis wrote eight more letters, but this one being the most memorable. Stacy passionately declared reasons that this one letter is the one that resonates most strongly.
First, the wording of this letter might cause us to stop for a moment and realize “these were real men; people that risked their way of life to know peace.” Or perhaps this letter serves as a reminder that “the battle for freedom and liberty is always here… we need to continue to raise men and women to understand that our freedom is at stake.” And perhaps most compelling is that even amongst the adversities they were facing, Stacy reminds us that Travis took the time to write down the blessings of the Lord. He did not just consider them internally; he proclaimed that the Lord was on their side and provided food to sustain them when they most needed it.
In conclusion, Stacy reminded attendees to “Be vigilante and never shy away from those who are trying to take our way of life and our liberties away.”
This exceptional and moving event included participants and organizations from Rockwall County. Pastor Stephen Grays of New Hope Baptist Church and Royse City Police Department Chaplain opened the ceremony with prayer followed by Marine Corps CWOS James Randolph with the presentation of the flags. Boy Scout Troop 163 of Fate led the pledge with the national anthem performed by the Royse City High School Chorale. Patriotic music by the Rockwall High School Choir and the playing of Taps by the Royse City American Legion Bugler, Wayne Janosik, and a presentation by Royse City American Legion added a memorable touch to the conclusion of the event.
A plaque featuring the letter in its entirety is located on the wall near the Veterans Memorial on the east side of the Rockwall County Courthouse.
BRN Staff Report. Photos by BRN Media.
Rockwall County hosts patriotic event and plaque unveiling to commemorate William Travis “Victory or Death” Letter added by Melanie M on
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