Annual Remembrance Ceremony at Monument Hill This Saturday

Texas Heroes Day will be celebrated around La Grange with special programs on Saturday, Sept. 19. Since its establishment by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in 2012, Texas Heroes Day has provided an opportunity to commemorate volunteer soldiers who have fought in the service of Texas, with special emphasis on the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expeditions. Today, organizations across the state commemorate Texas Heroes Day by recognizing the military service of Texans, past and present.

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites will host its annual Monument Hill Remembrance Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature a keynote speech from Texas historian Dr. Frank de la Teja, along with the traditional wreath laying and gun salute led by costumed reenactors. The Presidents of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Sons of the Republic of Texas will also offer remarks. Admission fees are waived for ceremony attendees. Seating may be limited, and guests are welcome to bring personal lawn chairs.

At 11 a.m., Monument Hill State Historic Site will host Dr. Frank de la Teja for an author talk and book signing. His presentation, Erasmo Seguín: A Neglected Texas Founding Father, will highlight the role of Tejanos, Texans of Mexican descent, during the Republic of Texas era. De la Teja has served on the board of directors, as president, and as executive director of the Texas State Historical Association. He was the inaugural Texas State Historian (2007-2009), is an honorary member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, and an honorary admiral in the Texas Navy. RSVPs through Eventbrite are encouraged, but admission to the talk is free. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event.

Visitors are encouraged to stay in La Grange for additional Texas Heroes Day programs in the afternoon. At 1:00 pm, the historic Faison House will present “Nathaniel Faison: Explorer and Texas Hero.” Through this special theatrical program, guests will learn about the notable life of Nathaniel Faison, a survivor of the Dawson Massacre. This event is free and open to the public.

The Texas Heroes Museum will host guest speaker Pat Lyons, a Vietnam veteran who served on a Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol gathering intelligence in enemy territory. Lyons will speak at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for Adults, $4 for Seniors and Veterans. RSVPs encouraged.

For more information, visit www.friendsofkbmh.org/ Remembrance or call the sites’ Visitors Center at (979) 9685658.