Col William Barrett Travis letter, above, was written while being bombarded by cannon fire at the Alamo. March 6, 1836, he and 186 to 257 defenders of liberty and freedom lay dead from that battle and executions. Some women and children witnessed these horrors unfold form inside the Alamo. Released to spread fear and bear witness of the power Santa Anna’s army to all Texans. The opposite effect happened. The horrific sufferings and deaths Texas defenders suffered at the Alamo galvanized Texans will to fight tyrannical rule. Our American and Texans Declaration of Independence and Constitution were once again to be full battle tested, bathed in its defender’s sufferings, blood, and death. About 900 hundred Texans settlers, farmers, ranchers, and immigrants joined Sam Houston untrained new Republic of Texas army. They defeated a battle-hardened Mexican army of about 1300 men under Antonio López de Santa Anna April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto. The Republic of Texas was now destined to be a US state 11 years later. 

Colonel Travis words are known as the “Liberty or Death” letter. It is honored on our Frosted Star Vodka bottle and readable. When I think of the  battle cry “Remember the Alamo” on that fate filled April day in 1836 at San Jacinto deep thoughts flood my mind. The battle at the Alamo created a chain of events which forever changed the USA, it’s government and the world. Simply stating - Without the definitive choices made to die fighting at the Alamo there would be no Texas as we know now. Where would the US and World be today without Texas?  Forever changed I know. I know each US State has battles that can make similar claims. Though here I reflect on this world changing battle and the human sacrifices lying dead 3/6/1836 effecting how our lives we live have and continues to be blessed by these honored Texas heroes.

Adding to those thoughts I believe remembering and thanking all our military heroes is very important. Our Declaration of Independence and US Constitution text is governed by our forefather’s absolute belief in one Creator, of which I believe the same. It gives us the governing means to secure freedom and individual liberties through open free speech, debates, voting, doing good, without violence as best we can. Our Constitution gives us the means to change decisions and law when we screw up. As Col. Travis ended his letter, knowing death was eminent for him and all under his command his belief in God never faltered. May we all have such faith when confronted by events we do not understand or death. May God continue to bless Texas and these United States of America. 

The mental fight to do good is always omnipresent. I pray all remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made at the Alamo and by our military who quest to do what is good and right. 

Les Beasley

Master Distiller, Whiskey Hollow Distilleries