The Lone Star flag of today is the composite of symbols from the individual banners representing the diverse philosophical, cultural, ethnic and political groups involved in the evolution of Texas to independence and regional self-determination. Symbolizing the fact that Texas is unique among states of the world, the composite Lone Star banner is a copy of no one state, yet it employs symbolic elements of its progenitors. The Lone Star banner employs the red and white colors of its parent countries Spain, the Mexican United States of America and the United States of America. Its two wide red and white stripes symbolize its uniqueness and greatness as a one-time Republic that sets it apart from any one of the thin original 13 stripes of the USA which was adopted in several unofficial banners of independence and the Burnet naval flag of the Republic. Absence of Spanish gold (yellow) distances the banner from the vice-regal tyranny of its parent Spain, yet its Spanish cultural heritage is maintained in red and white. The removal of eagle, cactus and snake and the green stripe with rotation of the wide white and red stripes of the Mexican tri-color from vertical to horizontal distances the banner from the racism, religious repression and despotism exercised by its Mexican parent while the width and colors of the two wide horizontal red and white stripes preserve the state's Mexican heritage which began with liberal revolution and principles of self-determination. Shining brightest is the single white Lone Star on pure union blue symbolizing self-reliance, independence, purity of motive and spirit. The Lone Star symbolizes the uniqueness of the state's independent cultural and political evolution among the original 13 and the current 50 stars on the banner of the USA. It is the only state of the USA which joined the union by treaty as an independent republic which had progressed through the stepwise stuggle for independence, first as a state within and then an independent republic separate from its parent country Mexico, independence won by the sacrifice of Texians from diverse ancestry and culture. The single star of Texas, first displayed on Spanish red in New Spanish Texas by Dr. James Long and then one of the two gold stars on the banner of the State of Coahuila y Tejas, was the star of hope for freedom, democracy and libertarian principles and local self-determination within the Republic of Mexico which suffered from vice-regal dictatorship, political and cleric corruption and revolution through most of the 19th century. Symbolic of the unity of the diverse elements which combined to make it independent, free and great, the Lone Star resides on pure union blue which evolved from the Burnet naval flag and the De Zavala and Burnet flags of the Republic and the United States of America. (See also Texian Poetry--The Lone Star)
A letter written by Travis to the citizens of Texas:
TO THE CITIZENS OF TEXAS. Commandancy of the Alamo, Bejar, Feb. 24, 1836. FELLOW-CITIZENS, I am besieged by a thousond or more of the Mexicans, under Santa Ana. I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade, for twenty-four hours, and have not lost one man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender nor retreat: then I call on you, in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and of every thing dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all possible despatch. The enemy are receiving reinforcements daily, and will, no doubt, increase to three or four thousands, in four or five days. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. VICTORY OR DEATH. W. BARRET TRAVIS, Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant.
P.S. The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight, we had not three bushels of corn; we have since found, in deserted houses, eighty or ninety bushels, and got into the walls twenty or thirty head of beeves. T.