By Trent Rosser

Tomorrow will mark the 185th anniversary of the fall of the Alamo.

It was on the morning of March 6, 1836 when General Santa Anna's troops stormed the old mission, killing every defender there. Approximately 200 Texicans defended the Alamo from over 3000 Mexican soldiers. On February 23 of that year, 1500 troops marched into San Antonio (formally called San Antonio de Bexar) as the Texicans took refuge inside the old mission grounds. By the end of the first day of the siege, another 600 troops had joined Santa Anna. On March 3rd, the Texicans could only watch in despair, as another 1000 troops marched into town.

Just a few days later, the first attack was launched. Shortly after, a second wave was launched and the Texicans were able to defend their ground. Unfortunately, the Mexican troops were able to get past the walls and chaos ensued. By 6:30 that morning all men of the Alamo were dead with 400 to 600 Mexican casualties.

This past Tuesday, I was lucky enough to visit the Alamo and was one of the first to see a special collection. Phil Collins, of rock and roll fame, has one of the largest collections of Alamo artifacts. Back in 2014, he donated some of his collection back to the Alamo, and it was finally put on display for the public.

It was a sobering experience when we walked onto the hallowed ground of the Alamo. I really thought that there would be more people there, but it was still early. We walked through the chapel which is the landmark of the Alamo. After exploring the chapel, we walked to the exhibit, passing by the living history of people dressed as the people of that era would be dressed. They were explaining how life was back in the 1830's. Upon entering the exhibit, the first thing that I noticed was the small cannon. This was one of many that fired upon the Alamo. There were remnants of old cannon balls and rifles as well. Uniforms that the troops wore and swords. But, the one that really got me was the paper that General Santa Anna wrote the orders to attack the Alamo. It was an amazing collection.

Walking around on the grounds of the Alamo will bring emotions that could rattle the soul. Looking around and placing yourself with these men as they were fighting for Texas, their freedom and their lives. They knew that it was a battle that they could not win, but they fought on.

The battle of the Alamo was a pivotal point in Texas history. Less than two months later General Sam Houston led the Texas army and defeated General Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto. One of the battle cries for the Texicans as they attacked the surprised troops was "Remember The Alamo". In less than 20 minutes the Mexican Army was defeated. The siege of the Alamo gained time for General Sam Houston to train troops and find time to prepare. The resolve of the defenders of the Alamo is still echoed to this day. Most of the world knows Texas and Texans are resilient and determined. When most pitcher Texas, the chapel of the Alamo is one of the first things that comes to mind.

As you walk around the grounds, you can look at the old well they used to retrieve water. Look at the barracks, were they tried to sleep as they were being bombarded with cannon balls all night long, and imagine where you would be if you were shoulder to shoulder with these brave men. Walk through the chapel and imagine the women and children praying for their fathers, brothers, and husbands as the cannons and muskets were exploding around them.

So, this Saturday, take time to remember the men that fought and died that fateful day in San Antonio. Take a moment to think about how these men and women felt on this day all those years ago. Never forget what happened, how we fought for our freedom from Mexico, but most of all, Remember The Alamo!