'Inherit the Alamo,' by Holly Beachley Brear

Subject: 'Inherit the Alamo,' by Holly Beachley Brear Sun 10 Feb 2008, 11:16 pm

As I have expressed previously I believe -- beginning with my generation -- that Texans were detached through education and by the tide of broad culture from the Anglo-American legacy of our ancestors. We have been numbed to the causes for which our forefathers gave their lives and for which our foremothers relinquished all for the sake of their families.

In Inherit the Alamo: Myth and Ritual at an American Shrine (UT, 1995), by Holly Beachley Brear, I find concord with the author's fundamental interpretations to a large degree, but diverge from her on the culture-bound reconstruction of the Alamo Battle which she moralizes and extends to us for our time.

The symbiology and heritage of 1836 is ours to claim.

First ours ~ we who are bound to the soil, vision and battle of it.

Let not our voices nor our souls be silent, in this moment during which we, likewise, are called to account.

I hope to have a few more comments to make regarding this book in the future. Addressing the issues raised by Dr. Beachley and the meanings which she ascribes to the Alamo Battle and shrine is important if we are to transfer a Texan identity to the next generation of Anglo-American children, imho.
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

I would like to be able to write a balanced review of this work, but as the time and 'concentration room' is lacking for me presently, thought I just might offer a series of questions and responses as I work through the book. This approach allows one the possiblility of accessing one's own perceptions, feelings, beliefs and attitudes about a subject. It is necessarily 'opinionated.' For myself personally, these are the motivations that I would like to clarify at this point in addition to addressing the historic chronology of the Alamo and its subsequent establishment as a Shrine.

In the beginning and throughout, some issues are obvious but fundamental (though surely, debatable). For example, I believe that any site where individuals have given their lives for a cause deserves a much weightier consideration than those with 'only' political or social association. Thus, the Alamo Shrine should be placed in a different category than, say, the reconstructed meeting hall at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Secondly, my premise is that the Alamo as a Shrine is preeminently and rightly linked first, with the descendents of the men and women who died at or were survivors of the Battle of 1836. Its secondary connection is to the descendents of the colonists who were present in, served or were loyal to the patriotic and political entity which became the Republic of Texas. These present-day individuals would include those whose ancestors may be traced to the Canary Islanders, the Austin Colony, the DeWitt Colony and other Spanish and Mexican land-grant recipients. A place within this symbolic assembly should also be made for the Catholic Church, and the known descendants of American Indians who were a part of the missions system.

Others might be included as well. But this lineal connection is important to underscore, in my opinion, if we are to retain the meanings, the respect and potentially -- even the physical possession -- of this Texas landmark as it and they were understood and held by our forebears .... and for a great many people throughout the nation and the world, until challenged in recent times.

It would be wonderful if someone who has read Inherit the Alamo would choose to share their responses to the book, or would care to read it and offer their views sunny

But should this not come about, I'll just keep plugging along .... offering my limited takes as best I can cat

_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Yuo know I still have to finish the one I said I was gong to read. What a Face

I'll listen to what you have to say though.

I guess i better change my icon. Last chance, MerryChristmas everybody!

You must be referring to Lily: A Love Story, by Cindy Bonner. Yeah, get on with it, girl! study

I also like the diminutive size of this novel as published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

History consists of more than pulling facts from records and books .... or even than working and realigning them like so many pieces of a puzzle. It must be meaningful in a way beyond mere relevance if it is to serve its highest purpose. In fact, when history is at its most real and animated, it may not be readily distinguishable from the present because it continues as a part of our lives. The Amish are a rare example of this 'living' history. And the past must strike a chord in the heart for it to resonate and call us to arms for its survival and preservation.

I am coming to see that many of us were enlisted in an army when we were quite young; an alien army whose name and whose mission were unknown to us, but which has won many battles in turning us against our own past. Will this army win the war in stripping from us our identity? I don't know.

But our slumber is its victory. Crying or Very sad

_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves