2002 ANNUAL ADDA MEMORIAL WEEKEND

      The first weekend of March is the time in which members of the Alamo Defenders Descendants Association come together to honor and memorialize our brave ancestors who gave of themselves in defense of the Alamo.  On this particular weekend, we plan a number of events at and around the Alamo complex.  This is our main function each year.     

     Our 2002 Annual ADDA Memorial Weekend kicked off on Friday evening, March 1^st in San Antonio.  Attendees met at the Crockett Hotel at 7:00 PM for an exciting time of reunion and fellowship.  We had a great time of renewing past acquaintances and gaining new ones.  It is also exciting to meet new members of the organization during this time.

     We are always pleased to have special guests attend our activities.  This year’s special guests included: Casey Biggs (he played the character of Travis in “Alamo – The Price of Freedom” IMAX presentation and has played in other major Hollywood productions) and Enrique Sandino (he played the character of Santa Ana in “Alamo – The Price of Freedom”).  A silent auction was held during the fellowship time to benefit a children’s charity that Casey Biggs sponsors.  The winner would win a luncheon date with Casey.  Ella Mae Savell and Nancy Hawks had the highest bid and presented the prize to their cousin, Betty Anderson.

     Saturday morning started off with a special showing of the movie “Alamo – The Price of Freedom” in the IMAX Theatre.  We thank the IMAX for arranging this special presentation for us and being so kind to us.  Before the movie started, Casey and Enrique took time to share their thoughts with us and to answer questions.  After the presentation, Casey and Enrique took Betty out for breakfast.  They had a wonderful time together.  At 3:00 PM, we gathered on the front lawn of the Alamo complex for our annual photograph.  

     The high point of our weekend is always the Saturday evening candlelight memorial service inside the Alamo shrine.  The flags of all the states and countries of the defenders were positioned at the front of the Shrine; each being held by a member of the various Living History Organizations from Texas and other parts of the United States.   The participants were dressed in period clothing.  As the ceremony began, the American and Texas flags were brought down the aisle and presented.  Meaghan Anderson and Noel Bolado followed with the presentation of the ADDA wreath.  Yolanda Kirkpatrick and Patty Galindo graciously donated this beautiful Alamo-shaped wreath.  

     Tim Anderson, the ADDA president, approached the podium and greeted the people.  He then introduced the narrator for the evening’s service, Mr. Hovey M. Cowles.  At this point in the service, Scott and Matt Bowman lit the 13 candles representing the 13-day siege of the Alamo.  Reverend Ralph Lay then offered up our opening prayer. 

     Mr. Cowles then introduced Casey Biggs.  After dedicating it to those who lost their lives in the September 11th terrorist acts, he read the Travis letter.  Richard Cook then approached the podium and read the names of the scouts, couriers, non-combatants and survivors.  Roll call then began for the defenders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.  Readers included Donna Mathis, Joanna Fitzpatrick, Ray Wick, and Sam Samuel.

     Following the roll call, ADDA founder, Lee White, presented the Flag of the Unknown.  The candles were then extinguished and the Benediction given.  Mr. Harrell Sutherland then played a very moving rendition of Amazing Grace on the bagpipe.  As the service was closing, David Scott, acting the part of Colonel Travis, offered a final challenge and then drew the famous “line in the sand” with his sword.

     In addition to all those mentioned above, we would like to extend a special “thanks” to our ushers: Jesse Anderson, Bobby Galindo, James Galindo and Bob Yoder; and to our archive videographer: Nathan Wick.  Our deepest gratitude goes out to the one who makes this entire candlelight service such a wonderful experience:  Mike Waters.  He is the President of the Alamo Lore And Myth Organization (ALAMO) and coordinates this entire event.

     On Sunday morning, Lee White went to the San Fernando Cathedral and laid a wreath in honor of the Alamo Defenders.  If you were unable to attend this year’s event, you missed a wonderful experience.  Please make plans to be there next year.  The event occurs the first weekend of March.  God bless you all!