• flitted giletnorattbum WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. Governor of Texas GREETINGS: AUSTIN, TEXAS For one hundred and forty-six years Texans everywhere have paused in observance of their own Day of Independence, proclaimed at Washington- on-the-Brazos, March 2, 1836. This year, 146 years after the signing of that document, the paper on which the document was written is tattered. But the careful statement of principles and grievances retains the vitality that it had on that cold and windy day in an unfinished building at Washington-on-the-Brazos. It took brave men to sign this immortal document. These men pledged their lives and their property to the cause of their freedom and that of their fellow Texans. Later when Sam Houston was serving as President of the Republic of Texas he called upon his fellow Texans to set aside March 2 as a day of special Thanksgiving. The recommendation states in part..."Whereas, the Texian people have been objects of the peculiar care and interposition of a Divine Providence; and..., He has manifested His abundant kindness, by enabling them to occupy a place among the independent governments of the earth." While responsible citizens are soul-searching for answers to these perplexities, it would be well for all to think long on the solid ideals bequeathed us by our forefathers; to reassert our belief in the simple values which prompted an Independence Day; and to reaffirm our faith in the precious American Heritage. The deep significance of Texas Independence Day--its importance to our heritage and its significance in the eternal struggle for freedom--is observed each March 2 as a day of great meaning to all Texans, and it will never be lost so long as Texans throughout the world celebrate the historic event. It is entirely fitting and proper that this date in our glorious history be recognized and homage be paid to those whose sacrifices laid the foundations of our land and made possible the freedom we enjoy. THEREFORE, I, as Governor of Texas, do hereby commend the observance of March 2, 1982, by all our people as an expression of abiding gratitude to the men of courage and vision who formed the Republic of Texas and the noble document by which they affirmed their beliefs. In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my 26th Feb. 82 signature this------------------------day of----------------, 19----------- •?: Governor of Texas
