Texas celebration returns to airwaves on Seguin Radio KWED
(Seguin) – Seguin will again honor the past by telling the story of the great state of Texas and how it won its Independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. The birthday of the sovereign nation of the Republic of Texas will again be celebrated today on the steps of the Sebastopol Historic House with the annual Toast to Texas Celebration.
Leading the city-wide celebration will be members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Abishai Mercer Dickson-Seguin Chapter and the city of Seguin Parks and Recreation Department.
Inviting folks onto the lawn of the local historic house is Julie Sheldon, the president of the Daughters of the Republic. She says together, the community will reflect back at all those who fought for Texas as well as those 59 delegates who186 years ago, gathered at Washington on the Brazos to sign the Texas’ Declaration of Independence
“March 2, we will be celebrating Texas Independence Day – celebrating 170 years ago where those (men) were putting their lives on the line and so we are here on that day to honor the heroes and ancestors who fought to make Texas an independent state,” said Sheldon.
Sheldon says for years the celebration has gathered folks from throughout the area. She says together, they have continued one of the most significant celebrations for Texans across the world.
“Our chapter began hosting this annual event since 1986 with the assistance also of the city parks department. They have been a great support helping us put on the event. It’s just a very moving tribute. Local dignitaries and community members and students from local school districts will be participating in the ceremony. The master of ceremonies will be (State Representative) John Kuempel – a tradition that he has continued from when his father Edmund Kuempel served as honoring master of ceremonies,” said Sheldon.
Sheldon says this year’s celebration will again include a host of participants.
“Highlights for this year will again be an ROTC group from Seguin High School. They will be posting the colors. A member of the Navarro High School band will be playing the Taps. Robin Dywer, community member, he will honor us again as he has in the past giving a very moving tribute of reading the William B. Travis letter from the Alamo asking for reinforcements support. Dottsy Dwyer will lead those in attendance in singing Texas Our Texas and Clint Taft will provide some musical entertainment,” said Sheldon.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse will also be there to deliver a proclamation.
But perhaps the most featured event is the raising of spring water in a Toast to Texas. She says the toast will be led at exactly 2 p.m. Thursday.
“Attendees will be given a bottle of spring water as they have in the past to raise in a toast that was written by Historian Joe Frantz that will be read by (Guadalupe County) Judge Kyle Kutscher,” said Sheldon.
Ensuring a celebration for all Texans, Sheldon say the group has again decided to pair up with Seguin Radio KWED.
Sheldon says this year will be the third year in which the Toast to Texas program will be broadcasted by Seguin Radio KWED. She says two years ago, the group relied on the radio station to bring the program to the public during COVID. It has since been enjoyed over the airwaves and will again continue as a tradition.
The ceremony begins at 1:30 pm. Thursday followed with the toast at 2 p.m. along with the ringing of area church bells.
The program is free and open to the public. Schools, businesses, and community members are encouraged to also toast to Texas wherever they are at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The Sebastopol House is located at 704 Zorn Street in Seguin.