In the state of Texas, today is San Jacinto day. In 1836 the Texians defeated the Mexican army and won independence for the Republic of Texas. This is a photo of the monument and the battleship Texas in the background. Today is the 180th anniversary of the event. It was a total defeat of the Mexicans which was fueled by the slaughter at the Alamo on March 6th and the massacre at Goliad on Palm Sunday, March 27. Everybody remembers the phrase, "remember the Alamo", but only Texans remember "remember Goliad." Goliad was particularly poignant because the Mexicans executed over 400 unarmed prisoners.

Interestingly, Texas was the only soverign country to become a state. We joined the Union in 1845. In retrospect, that might not have been a good idea. But that is politics.

Happy 180th birthday, Texas!