Dear Friends,
I have completed the first week of the 2014 legislative session. One of the most enjoyable parts of representing South Texas is meeting high-achieving students from our District. Last week in Washington, I met with students and faculty members from The University of Texas at Brownsville’s Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy (CARA). The group visited Washington to attend the American Astronomical Society Conference. As private space exploration becomes a reality, CARA is aggressively pursuing research opportunities, which will provide real-world experience to South Texas students. Already, the Center has worked with college and high school students to build a radio antenna array known as a Low Frequency All Sky Monitor in Port Mansfield to study short bursts of radiation found in outer space.
Congressman Vela meets with faculty and students from the University of Texas
Brownsville's Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy
Brownsville's Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy
Given South Texas’ location along the U.S.-Mexico border, our District is rich in history. Over the weekend, I visited the Presidio La Bahia and the Loreto Chapel in Goliad. The Loreto Chapel has a stunning fresco behind the alter painted by San Antonio artist Antonio Garcia. Interestingly, the artist used local Goliad citizens Guadalupe Flores and Maria Garcia as models to paint the fresco.
The Presidio, which lies along the San Antonio River, was constructed in 1747 by the Spanish Army and is one of the best-preserved Spanish forts in the U.S.
Congressman Vela viewing a fresco depicting Gabriel and the
Virgin Mary at the Loretto Chapel in Goliad
During the Texas Revolution, the fort was sieged by a group of Texans lead by Colonel James Fannin. Following the Battle of the Alamo, General Sam Houston ordered Colonel Fannin to abandon the fort. However, Fannin and the more than 300 soldiers under his control were met by the Mexican army and subsequently surrendered-- believing they would not be harmed. Fannin and his men were imprisoned at La Bahia. On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, Colonel Fannin and more than 300 soldiers, were executed in what has become known as the Goliad Massacre. A few weeks later, at the Battle of San Jacinto--where the Mexican army was defeated--the Texans rallying cry was "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad."
I encourage anyone who is interested in history to visit Goliad and stop by the Presidio La Bahia.
Congressman Vela with members of The General Zaragoza Society, a public service organization
that awards scholarships to students for education.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Member of Congress
