SAN ANTONIO -- There aren't many "firsts" left in the history of the Alamo, but reenactors provided one at the national shrine Wednesday.
The ride begins at the Alamo and concludes at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site Park.
"Martin, this letter has to make it to through... ride fast, ride hard. Our future and our lives depend on it. Godspeed, man."
Before Commander William Barret Travis gave his letter to Captain Albert Martin, it had to be written. That's what brought a crowd before the local landmark on Wednesday: to watch a reenactment of the moment when Travis, desperate but resolute, sent a letter to Jesse Grimes, a delegate at the Convention of 1836, 180 years ago.
"To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world, fellow citizens and compatriots, I am beseiged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under General Santa Ana."
The reenactment was made possible by the Texas General Land Office, as Commissioner George P. Bush dedicated the moment.
"It's everything we believe as a people: family, faith and freedom," Bush said prior to the event. "The belief that our ideals are not a gift but rather an honor to be won."
His words are an echo of the commitment of the heroes at the Alamo.
"Our flag still proudly waves from the walls, I shall never surrender or retreat."
You can catch historic moments of the siege recreated each day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. until Travis' letter arrives to its destination on March 6.
"Victory or death, William Barret Travis."
