Members of Freestone County gathered on the Courthouse Square on Thursday, November 14, 2024, for the Victory or Death Alamo Letter Plaque Dedication.
County Judge Linda Grant gave opening remarks, explaining the importance of the letter, written by Lt. Col. William Barrett Travis at the Battle of the Alamo, and what an honor it is to have the letter displayed in our county.
William Shelton, Chairman of Freestone County Historical Commission and Worshipful Master of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge, welcomed guests, followed by an invocation by Andrew Weitner, Pastor of New Life Church of Fairfield.
Next, the pledges to the American and Texas flags were recited, and Teague’s Mighty Lion Band performed the National Anthem.
Special Guest, Dr. Danny Reeves of the Alamo Letter Society, presented a reading of the letter and unveiled the plaque.
Then, William Shelton and fellow members of the Fairfield Masonic Lodge read the Roll Call of Masons that fought at the Alamo, followed by Shelton expounding on the importance of preserving Freestone County history.
Pastor Weitner closed the ceremony by playing his rendition of ‘God Bless America’ on the saxophone and giving a benediction.
Special Thanks is given to Long Industries (Clay Kimball, Brittany Hall, Mark Goddard, and Eric Gustosason) for creating and donating the stand for the plaque; The Trissel Family for the donation of the plaque; Teague ISD and Band, The City of Fairfield, Angela Oglesbee, Andrew Weitner, Brenda Pate, Diane Pullin, William Shelton, and the Alamo Letter Society (Dr. Danny Reeves and John Vick).
The new plaque is located on the east side of the front lawn of the Courthouse.
(Photos by Nicole Schaefer)
