Goliad Heroes Day - 2002

Goliad Heroes Day honors those who gave their lives in the cause for Texas independence at Goliad.  Following the fall of the Alamo, part of Santa Anna's army attacked Colonel Fannin's men at Goliad.  Following the battle of Coleto Creek on March 19 and 20, Fannin was forced to surrender.  He and his men were promised fair treatment and parole for their surrender.  However, Santa Anna ordered that all of these men were to be shot.  On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, the unknowing Texas prisoners were marched out to the river where they believe they will be released.  As they arrived at the river, the Mexican army turned on them and massacred them.  The army returned to the compound and brought out the sick and wounded. They were lined up along the chapel wall and shot.  Lastly, Colonel Fannin was brought out and seated in a chair.  He was given a chance to issue last words, blindfolded and then shot.  Over 320 men lost their lives.  This was the single largest loss of life for Texas independence.

A fabulous job of re-enacting this great historical event is performed every year at the Presidio La Bahia.  This year was no different.  The re-enactment is extremely moving.  Following the re-enactment, a short chapel service was held.  The procession then moved to the monument that marks the graves of Fannin and his men.

The ADDA wreath was laid at the monument by Brandon Anderson, descendant of Gordon C. Jennings, and Anthony Morales, descendant of Gregorio Esparza.  Two of our younger descendants, Victoria Anderson and Samantha White, both of the Gordon C. Jennings family, are shown with the ADDA wreath.  

The ADDA was represented by about 19 members.  Two of these were Executive Board members, Lee White and Pat Jackson.  Other ADDA Officers present included, from left to right, Lee White, Socorro Morales, Betty Anderson, Yolanda Kirkpatrick, Tim Anderson, Pat Jackson and Samantha White.   Robert Garcia is not pictured but was in attendance.

If you have never attended this event, please make plans to do so in the near future.  It is a worthwhile event.