Community organizations pull together to celebrate Texas independence

A collaborative effort between five Gonzales community organizations will result in a 2024 Texas Independence Commemoration that will take place over the course of 12 days and include six events in two cities.

Those organizations include the Gonzales Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas; the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Gonzales Chapter #29; the Crystal Theatre; the City of Gonzales; and Tour Gonzales.

Events begin Tuesday, Feb. 27, with a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the Immortal 32 leaving Gonzales. The event is to be held at the Gonzales Memorial Museum at 5:15 p.m. with a commemorative ceremony and performance by the Crystal Theatre Young Texians. The Gonzales High School NJROTC color guard will present the flag and lead the pledge.

On Friday, March 1, 32 men from Gonzales will join The Alamo’s observance of the Immortal 32 Arrival Ceremony at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio at 10 a.m. There will be a march reenactment by Gonzales residents as well as a performance by the Young Texians.

On Saturday, March 2, Texas Heroes Square in Gonzales will play host to “A Toast To Texas Independence.” There will be a commemorative ceremony at 11:45 a.m. followed by a sweet tea toast. Everyone in earshot is invited to step outside during the noon sire for a city-wide toast to Texas independence so raise whatever glass you have!

On March 6, 1836, after 13 days of intermittent fighting, the Battle of the Alamo came to a gruesome end, capping off a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution. The Dawn at the Alamo wreath laying takes place starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 6. To commemorate the losses of the 41 brave Gonzaleans that fought, a yellow rose will be placed in their honor during an official roll call and commemorative ceremony Wednesday, March 6 at 5:15 p.m. at the Gonzales Memorial Museum. The Young Texians will perform “The Immortal 32.” 

One final event will recognize and commemorate the sacrifice and hardships experienced by the families and community of Gonzales during the Runway Scrape. A candlelight vigil will be held in Texas Heroes Square at 8 p.m. Sunday March 10, with a reading of Susanna Dickinson’s letter and a performance by the Young Texians singing “Run, Run, Run Away!”

Details for all events can be found on TourGonzales.com or by contacting the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.