SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 645

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the residents of the Lone Star State in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Medina in 2013; and

WHEREAS, In a state renowned for its unique battle sites, the Battle of Medina has often been overlooked; in recent years, however, it has generated renewed interest among Texas and Tejano historians; and

WHEREAS, The encounter also known as the Battle at the Live Oaks at Medina, which took place on August 18, 1813, constitutes the bloodiest skirmish in Texas history; a manifestation of the ongoing tensions between Spanish Royalists and Texian forces, this battle was one of the earliest conflicts in the decades-long struggle for independence from Spain; and

WHEREAS, The Republican Army of the North, led by American and Tejano revolutionaries, lost 1,300 of its 1,400 soldiers in the battle, while the Spanish Royalist forces, consisting of 1,800 men, lost only 55 soldiers; and

WHEREAS, Those revolutionaries who fought for freedom from Colonial Spain epitomized the innate desire among all men and women to determine their own destinies; it is fitting, then, that these quintessential Texians be commemorated for their sacrifices in the Battle of Medina; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby join all Texans in observing the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Medina and in honoring the brave soldiers who died that day; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this historic occasion.

Van de Putte

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 15, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate