| History has a way of reminding us of its presence, sometimes in ways we least expect. This year, as we commemorate the 189th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, we reach a milestone that ties past and present together in a powerful way. For the first time, there has been a year for every known Defender who gave their life within these storied walls. When the Mexican army arrived at San Antonio de BĂ©xar on February 23, 1836, the men inside the Alamo knew they were outnumbered. What they could not have known was that their stand would become one of the most enduring symbols of courage in history. For 13 days, 189 known Defenders held out against thousands of Mexican troops. When the final assault came on the morning of March 6, they fought to the last man, leaving behind a legacy that has echoed through the generations. Now, 189 years later, we remember each of themânot as a collective number, but as individuals. Some were young; some were old. Some were seasoned fighters, others farmers, or merchants. But they all made a choiceâto stand and fight. The youngest, William Philip King, was just 15 years old when he took up arms inside the Alamo. The oldest, Gordon Jennings, was 56. Some were Tejanos, defending their home, while others had traveled from across the United States and even from Europe, drawn by the promise of Texas and the cause of liberty. Their namesâTravis, Bowie, Crockettâare famous, but there were many others: Gregorio Esparza and JosĂ© Toribio Losoya, both born in San Antonio, fought not as outsiders drawn to Texas but as native sons defending the land where they were raised. Though his loved ones survived, Gregorio fell in battle. Unlike the others, his brother, who fought for the Mexican army under General Santa Anna, was able to recover his body and give him a proper burialâan honor denied to all other 188 Defenders. Losoya, a former Mexican soldier turned Texian rebel, had grown up within the very walls of the Alamo when it was still a Spanish mission. Like so many others, Losoya died fighting for a Texas that was still struggling to be born. Their legacy lives on not just in history books but in the very streets and neighborhoods of San Antonio, where their families once walked, where their sacrifice is still felt. And then there were others: James Bonham, who rode through enemy lines seeking reinforcements, knowing he would return to certain death; and Albert Martin, who carried the fateful letter from Travis calling for aid with the famous words: âVictory or Death.â Each of the 189 Defenders had a life before the Alamo, and because of their sacrifice, their names live on today. Their stand gave Texas its rallying cry, “Remember the Alamo!” and fueled the fight for independence that would be won just weeks later at San Jacinto. The passage of time often makes history feel distant, but this year, the connection between past and present is stronger than ever. We can now measure each of the 189 Defenders against a year in history. The world has turned 189 times since the morning the Alamo fell, and with each passing year, their legacy has only grown. The Alamo is more than just a placeâit is a story that continues to unfold. As we move forward with the progressing $550 million Alamo Plan and new ways of telling its full 300-year history, we remain dedicated to ensuring that future generations continue to learn and honor the sacrifice of those who fought here. This year, as we mark 189 years since their sacrifice, letâs take a moment to reflectânot just in words, but by walking the very ground where they made their stand. Visit the Alamo. Stand where they stood. Remember them, not just today, but always. | 
