[Rightly Biased]

The last time I visited the Alamo I was disgusted. I told my three girls of the greatness of the men that gave all there and that it was a place of heroes and reverence and we needed to be quiet while inside.... well we opened the door to the Shrine of Texas Freedom and were overwhelmed by the screaming of children the laughing of adults and a bunch of boys wearing hats.

Needless to say I was ticked off. I really didn't get to enjoy my trip at all.Maybe next time.

We did go to the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad and the reverence there was as it should be. If you haven't been I highly recommend it.Go in the spring the flowers at the Monument are beautiful.

[Richard Kimball]

The last time I visited the Alamo, I didn't realize it, but the date was March 6, the anniversery of the date the Alamo fell. The chapel was closed for one hour while a memorial service was held. When we went in, memorial wreaths with the names of the defenders lined the walls. I'm surprised your (rightlybiased) experience was like that. A sign is posted stating "Men, please remove your hats" at each entrance, and every time I've been there, everyone complied. A few forgot, but were politely requested to do so by the docents, and immediately complied.

When I was in school, I memorized Travis' letter.

Commandancy of the Alamo--
Bejar, Fby 24th 1836--
To the People of Texas & all Americans in the world--

Fellow citizens & compatriots-- I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am deter mined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country -- Victory or Death

           William Barret Travis
            Lt. Col. comdt

The letter was passed on to Travis' daughter, who was five years old at the time of his death.

[SouthTexas]

I stood before the monument to Col. Fannin and his men, flags already at half staff, the afternoon of 9-11. For some reason, I felt comfort there.

[pepperdog]

I am surprised at your experience. There is supposed to be silence or very quiet discussion when one is in the Alamo. I hope this was an isolated experience and not what I can expect the next time I visit.

[jtminton]

All the times I've been there, people have been very respectful. Give it another chance, you'll be glad you did.