Texas Independence Day Ceremony
Remarks by Larry R. Faulkner
March 2, 1999
Main Mall
The University of Texas at Austin
We meet to remember a day in history--163 years ago--when a group of 59 people gathered on the banks of the Brazos River to do something bold and outrageous--to declare independence for a new Republic of Texas. Texas was, and remains, a place that encompasses many cultures. The early Texans came from all over the continent and beyond and represented many ethnicities. Nevertheless, they joined together in common purpose to create a land of opportunity, and their effort was a grand success.
The founders of Texas understood that education was the key to progress. Within three years of the birth of the Republic, its Congress allocated more than 231,000 acres of land for the creation of what the Constitution later specified as, "a university of the first class."
Throughout the history of our nation, education has been an engine for social progress and equality. The University of Texas has been at the vortex of some of this century's most important social issues--and we still are. Great universities are engaged in the society that they serve.
So as we gather to honor a special moment in the history of Texas, let us renew our commitment to the mission of The University--"to transform lives for the benefit of society." And in memory of the struggle of all those who built this state--and in honor of the diverse cultures of our people--let us renew our commitment to making The University of Texas at Austin an engine of progress for all Texans.
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