Texas, Our Texas: President Trump Signs Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act
December 26, 2020 - Nation
Court of St. James, y’all. Though there are similar plaques in London and Paris, The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act in Washington D.C. will bring the first historical marker onto American soil. Photo: Wikipedia.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- On Tuesday, President Trump signed The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act into law which will commemorate the eight diplomats sent to Washington, D.C. between 1836 and 1845 to represent the Republic of Texas
- A historical memorial will be placed near one of the eight sites where the legation lived and carried out their diplomatic duties
This week, President Donald J. Trump signed The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act into law. Initiated by members of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the legislation will commemorate the diplomats sent to Washington, D.C. between 1836 and 1845 to represent the Republic of Texas.
As an independent and sovereign nation for almost ten years, the Republic of Texas sent eight diplomatic ministers to the U.S. during the history of the Republic. The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act will commemorate this legacy with a historical memorial near one of the eight sites where the legation lived and carried out their diplomatic duties for the Republic of Texas in the nation’s capital.
Similar plaques have already been mounted in Paris and London to commemorate the Texas emissaries sent there to represent the Republic on a global scale.
“My fellow Daughters and I are thrilled that the legacy of the Texas Legation, and its importance to our nation, will now be remembered here on American soil, as it has been in France and England for many years already. We are very grateful to Congressman [Lloyd] Doggett for introducing H.R. 3349 and to Senator [Ted] Cruz for introducing a companion bill in the Senate,” said DRT President General Carolyn Raney.
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Established in 1891, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is a nonprofit organization of nearly 8,000 women descended from the citizens of the Republic of Texas, which was a bonafide nation from 1836 to 1846. The lineal organization aims to “educate, research, preserve, and protect the history of the Republic of Texas for all future generations,” according to their website.
“Commemorating our Republic reminds all of us of the proud heritage and rich history, not only of Texans, but of what it truly means to be an American,” said Raney.
Listen to Doggett speak on the House floor about The Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act here.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded