Almost sounds like we had the same dad with the traveling and history. My dad worked construction till I was 10. We lived all across this great state but never outside it. By the time I got to Texas History class I knew the subject matter as most kids knew bedtime stories. Our family supper table discussions with my dad explaining current events based on historical facts is what led me to being a thinking adult. I can never hear our phrases, “Remember the Alamo,” “Come and Take It,” or “Remember Goliad” without Patriotic goosebumps and/or tears. It’s in the very fabric of who we are as Texans.
Oh my yes. Well said. We really did have similar backgrounds!
Such a great people ALL the states have. Trump is speaking the truth when he praises the people of each state, and tells their stories. AMERICA truly IS GREAT - and by God’s grace, deserves to be GREAT AGAIN.
However, from that early Texas pioneer and Republic time to modern times, Texans do have some amazing examples to point to. Heroes on both sides of the heart breaking Civil War. 5,171 Texans died in WW1.* WWII, Texas Marine units were lost in the Bataan Death March. Seven of the 464 Medals of Honor awarded during World War II went to Texas Aggies.** Chris Kyle, Navy Seal. And many others.
As you say, goose bumps. Tears and being moved by the significance of the actions and choices of those magnificent people, and hoping we measure up even a little bit - or even to be close to worthy of receiving their gifts to us.
* http://blog.dcccd.edu/2015/11/blood-of-wwi-heroes-lives-on-in-richland-college-poppy-project/
** https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/history-texas-world-war-heroes/
FWIW:
My dad used to call them - as probably many others do too - “Hysterical Markers”