Community Field Day observed

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I had the pleasure of spending a sunny day as the Honorary Chairman at the second annual Community Field Day hosted by the Baylor University Center for Developmental Disabilities and the National Down Syndrome Society.

Youth and adults with developmental disabilities, along with their families, were invited to come enjoy some fun and education on the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. We gathered on the field at McLane Stadium to play field games promoting physical engagement and creativity organized in stations by local disability organizations.

There was a wide variety in activities, from cornhole to karaoke. Learning how to prioritize your health is essential for everyone and plays a vital role in fostering well-being within our communities.

I am thankful for the volunteers from our community that helped make this event possible and to the Baylor University Center for Developmental Disabilities and the NDSS for organizing this opportunity.

Alamo Letter Plaque Dedication

I had the honor of participating in the dedication of a new plaque at the Limestone County Courthouse. This plaque features the text of Col. William B. Travis’s renowned “Victory or Death” letter penned during the Siege of the Alamo in 1836 and was generously provided by the Alamo Letter Society. I read aloud a copy of the letter delivered to the dedication ceremony by horseback. The text of the letter reads:

“Commandancy of the The Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-

Fellow Citizens & Compatriots-

I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna - I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man - The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken - I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls - I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch - The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country - Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis.

Lt. Col.comdt.

P. S. The Lord is on our side - When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn - We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis”

These words continue to inspire Texans today. I commend the Alamo Letter Society for their dedication to educating Texans about the bravery and sacrifice of our forefathers. Thank you to the Limestone County Co-Chairman Lance Phillips and Rosser Newton as well as the Alamo Society Co-Chair Bill McNutt for the installation of this plaque.

If you are in Groesbeck, stop by the courthouse to see Travis’s words displayed for our posterity.

Taylor Pre-Legislative Summit

On Wednesday, I was in eastern Williamson County as a guest speaker in the Taylor Pre-Legislative Summit. This event, hosted by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce, was focused on the upcoming Texas legislative session with panels covering issues that Williamson and Milam County are facing.

I joined to share some notes from D.C. on legislative solutions to Central Texas issues. As an area facing rapid growth, Central Texas is looking to legislators to ensure their needs are being met.

I am excited to see the continued development of excellence in economics and technology in TX-17.

Joy Club

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of serving as the keynote speaker of the Joy Club luncheon hosted by the senior adult ministry at First Methodist Church Waco. I spoke broadly about some of the issues facing our country and specifically about the future of artificial intelligence.

Prior to becoming a Member of the United States Congress, I worked at Bell Labs and Southwestern Bell, watching technology develop firsthand. These experiences encouraged me to embrace technology, and I am excited to see the continued development of innovative solutions through AI in healthcare, education, navigation, and security.

I’m a strong supporter of embracing new technologies and moving forward into the future, but we must ensure that AI systems are implemented with care. With proper legislative oversight to guarantee safety and accountability, we can harness these innovations to create a brighter, more secure future.

Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives