Ongoing Alamo re-enactments remember the 1836 battle

During the historic 13-day siege on the Alamo, which began on Feb. 23 in 1836, Lt. Col. William Barret Travis called for reinforcements, who arrived on the first day of March. Thirty two men came from Gonzales ranging in age from late-teens to mid-40s. The “Immortal 32,” as they are remembered, would live and fight another five days within the confines and walls of the compound.

Friday morning, 183 years later, 32 men from Gonzales—many of whom are descendants of the original 32—walked into Alamo Plaza to cheers and an introduction by Alamo CEO Douglass McDonald. A list with the names of the “Immortal 32” was read and a moment of silence followed. Many attendees were children whose schools allowed them to come to Alamo Plaza on a Friday morning and see the ceremony. McDonald gifted Gonzales Mayor Connie Kacir a flag to commemorate the sacrifices of the 32.

The re-enactment and ceremony was part of the Alamo’s series of events remembering the 13-day siege that took place here in 1836.

At 12:30 p.m. today, a ceremony will be held in front of the Alamo, recognizing Texas Independence Day.

On Sunday, the festivities continue with the Crockett Fiddle Fest, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., which includes performances by fiddlers and country music bands.

The festivities wrap up on Wednesday, March 6, the final day of the siege. The day begins with Dawn at the Alamo, a ceremony that begins at 6 a.m. that include members of the San Antonio Living History Association. Later that morning at 10 a.m., a ceremony lead by Scott McMahon, director of the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, will speak about the aftermath of the battle.

At 2 p.m., a roll call of each defender’s nation and state will be read during a memorial service. Finally, at 6 p.m., the final ceremony remembers the defenders.

All events are free and open to the public.

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