April 21, 1836 Battle of San Jacinto

After gaining independence from Spain in the 1820s, Mexico welcomed foreign settlers to sparsely populated Texas, and a large group of Americans led by Stephen F. Austin settled along the Brazos River. The Americans soon outnumbered the resident Mexicans, and by the 1830s attempts by the Mexican government to regulate these semi-autonomous American communities led to rebellion. In March 1836, in the midst of armed conflict with the Mexican government, Texas declared its independence from Mexico.

The Texas volunteers initially suffered defeat against the forces of Santa Anna. Sam Houston's troops were forced into an eastward retreat, and the Alamo fell. However, on April 21, 1836, Houston's army surprised a Mexican force at San Jacinto, and Santa Anna was captured bringing an end to Mexico's effort to subdue Texas. In exchange for his freedom, Santa Anna recognized Texas' independence..

God Bless Our Troops

Our Midwestern Region manager, Tim Smith, is the proud father of Captain Kyle Smith who is serving our country in Iraq.  The following was sent to Tim by his son.

"Please let your colleagues know how important I think your work is.  The military and NWYC work toward the same end - to ensure the freedom we enjoy in America is preserved.  We fight different battles, but they are both worth fighting.  I am proud of the work you do, Dad, and feel honored that your company values our military so highly."

May God bless our troops in all they do.

Constituent Power

"Concerned citizens are the backbone of our country and their vigilance is the key ingredient which ensures that the government continues to serve the people.  Too often though, people feel as if they are powerless to affect the world around them, not realizing the importance that a letter can have to their congressional representative." -Congressman John Conyers, Jr, 14th District, Michigan

Article I

"Article 1 of the Constitution gives us the right to elect our representatives in Washington, but also the right to do so much more including the right of free speech, the right of association and the right to express our opinions about the actions of our elected officials.  Our elected officials cannot represent us well if they do not know what we are thinking and experiencing." -Congressman Spencer Bachus, 6th District, Alabama

James Madison Quotes

-And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and Government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.

-Americans have the right and advantage of being armed-unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.

-Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government.

-It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood.

Responsible Citizens - Made Not Born

"Our government is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It does not run on autopilot. It requires responsible citizens. It requires engaged citizens. And, these kinds of citizens are made, not born." -Michael C. Burgess US Congress 2nd Dist. Texas 2005

Importance of Constituents Communication

"I cannot stress enough the importance of constituents communicating their feelings to their elected officials on important issues. As legislators, we are sent to Washington to serve the best interests of the people, and hearing from them on a regular basis allows us to keep a wide variety of opinions in mind.

I would like to thank National Write Your Congressman for the years of outstanding work in connecting people with their elected officials. This fine organization is helping to keep democracy and accountability alive in the United States Congress, and we value your service.

It is an honor to represent the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Indiana, and if I can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me." -Congressman Dan Burton, 5th District, Indiana

National Write Your Congressman

"During this unique time of peril and promise, Members of Congress confront a multitude of critical issues. When I cast my votes on the floor of the House of Representatives, I strive to reflect the values and views of the people of Southeast Texas - many of whose concerns I learn via the correspondence they submit to my office.

The participation of citizens in the democratic process constitutes a significant facet of our government. As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world." Accordingly, I deeply appreciate National Write Your Congressman's contributions to encouraging political activism nationwide." -Congressman Ted Poe, 2nd District, Texas