AUSTIN — The Texas Sons of the American Revolution held a dedication ceremony of the Texas SAR Monument at the Texas State Cemetery on April 18.
Two local members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Mary Hall Mantooth Chapter and National Daughters of the American Revolution Anthony Smith Chapter, Dr. Audrey Young and Rebecca Fleck, were in attendance.
The Texas SAR Monument honors those men and women who served the cause of liberty and died or are buried in what is now Texas. The monument not only commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, but also reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring principles that gave birth to the United States of America. It stands as a tribute to those patriots and as a reminder to future generations of the ideals that continue to shape our republic.
The Posting of Colors was performed by the Texas SAR Color Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag was led by Texas SAR President-elect Dustin Whittenburg. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets. A musket salute was performed by the Texas SAR Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Ora Jane Johnson, President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Texas SAR President Mel Oller welcomed all guests and recognized many distinguished attendees, Gov. Greg Abbott; Ora Jane Johnson, President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas; Kurt Brown of the Children of the American Revolution; Tammy Poole of the Texas Daughters of the American Revolution; Dr. Audrey Young of the Texas State Board of Education; and Margaret Koch, Chair of the Texas American 250 Commission.
President Oller then conducted a very special induction — the official induction of Gov. Abbott into the Patrick Henry Chapter, Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Governor Abbott addressed the audience stating:
"We must educate every generation about why it is that America grew from a tenuous 13 colonies into the most powerful country in the history of the world. This monument here is an enduring testament to the heroes who fought for the freedom that is unique to America. Stories of these heroes must be told. Generations of Americans must be reminded of who they are and what they fought for."
Dr. Audrey Young of the Texas State Board of Education was then introduced and addressed the audience, emphasizing that by recognizing these Texas Revolutionary War Patriots, we affirm that their sacrifices still matter. She noted that future generations are reminded that freedom is not automatic, that citizenship carries responsibility, and that education is central to preserving both.
Thomas I. Jackson, Past President of the Texas SAR, reminded attendees that as we gather at the Texas State Cemetery, we celebrate not only the brave men and women who fought for American independence, but also those who, in their own way, contributed to the birth of this great nation - many of them far from the familiar battlefields of the Thirteen Colonies. He noted that the monument included 69 names, each with a symbolic story of sacrifice, courage, and dedication to the cause of freedom.
Jackson then read the name of each of the patriots.
The ceremony concluded with remarks by Texas SAR President Mel Oller, followed by the singing of “Texas, Our Texas” and “God Bless America” by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets. The event closed with the SAR Recessional, Benediction, and Retiring of Colors by the Texas SAR Color Guard.
