This march is to bring awareness to the most important Tejano event in Texas history. The public is also invited to attend the first ever Tejano Battle of Medina Memorial Service, the largest battle for freedom ever fought in the State of Texas [18 Apr 1813]. The ceremony will start 1:30 pm Saturday, April 14, 2007 in the Veterans Pavilion on the Strawberry Festival fairgrounds. Mr. Maclovio Perez from WOAI will be the Master of Ceremony. Dr Andres Tijerina Ph.D.Texas History Professor from Austin Community College and Author Dan Arellano will be the keynote speakers. With a special guest appearance by Mr. Robert Thonhoff, Author and Historian.
Many Mexican-Americans have sacrificed their lives defending freedom and democracy. Over a thousand Tejanos were killed in one battle alone in defense of these causes. But this conflict was not on foreign soil. Not on the beaches at Normandy, not in Korea, Viet Nam or Desert Storm although Tejanos were there, but much closer to home in south Texas, less than twenty miles south of San Antonio. The Battle of Medinathe forgotten history of the Tejanos, these first sons and daughters of the State of Texas.unknown and unrecognized for their ultimate sacrifice. This battle was between the evenly matched forces of The Republican Army of The North consisting of three to four hundred American volunteers, nine hundred to a thousand Tejanos and two to three hundred Lipan, Coushatta and Karankawa Indians and a Spanish army led by General Joaquin de Arredondo.
A little known fact is that the Tejano leader Colonel Miguel Menchaca, in the heat of the battle had been ordered to withdraw his men, whereas it is said that Menchaca responded Tejanos do not withdraw, and plunged back into the foray. Out of the 1500-1600 that set out to fight on that hot August day only 100 would survive, making it the bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil. Another three hundred twenty-seven Tejanos would be executed in San Antonio after the battle and a hundred more would be executed as they fled towards Louisiana.
And now it is time to honor those who fought and died 194 years ago.
Poteet, Texas is located on Hi 16 approximately 20 miles south of San Antonio in Atascosa County.
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