TITLE: Commemorating the dedication of the Battle of Velasco Memorial Monument.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the dedication of the Battle of Velasco Memorial Monument.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Serving as an important prelude to the Texas Revolution, the Battle of Velasco was fought from June 25 through 27, 1832, and the site of the engagement is being commemorated with the dedication of a memorial monument on June 27, 2023; and WHEREAS, The conflict was perhaps the first incidence of bloodshed as resistance to Mexican rule intensified in Texas in the 1830s; the battle took place when a group of Texans under the command of Henry Smith and John Austin traveled to Brazoria to secure a cannon to use against Mexican forces who had imprisoned William Travis and others at Anahuac; when they tried to transport the cannon down the Brazos River, they were opposed by a garrison of Mexican soldiers led by Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, commander of Fort Velasco; and WHEREAS, An estimated seven Texans and five Mexicans lost their lives in the fighting, with dozens more wounded on both sides; ultimately, the Texans forced Colonel Ugartechea to surrender on June 29, after his troops exhausted their ammunition; and WHEREAS, While records indicate that veterans of the Battle of Velasco developed plans to erect a memorial for their fallen comrades, no evidence for the existence of such a monument has ever been found; recent imaging of the area has helped identify the exact location of Fort Velasco, and renewed interest in the battle led to a collaboration between the Old Fort Velasco Historical Association, the Old Velasco/Surfside Beach Historical Committee, the Village of Surfside Beach, Bryson Memorials, and area citizens; working together, they have succeeded in their mission to establish a long-overdue tribute to those who served and died in the battle; and WHEREAS, Today, 191 years after the Battle of Velasco, the unveiling of the monument provides an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in Texas history and on the courageous actions of those who took up arms to further the cause of Texas independence; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby commemorate the dedication of the Battle of Velasco Memorial Monument and extend sincere appreciation to all those who helped bring this project to fruition. Vasut President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 113 was adopted by the House on May 25, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 113 was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2023, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor