Sons of the Republic of Texas to commemorate 2026 Texian Navy Day at San Jacinto Monument
LA PORTE, Texas – The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) will commemorate Texian Navy Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, honoring the sailors and ships whose service helped secure and preserve the independence of the Republic of Texas.
The annual ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Jesse H. Jones Theatre at the San Jacinto Monument, 1 Monument Circle in La Porte, Texas.
This year’s keynote address will be presented by Michael Ritchie, who will speak on “The Texian Navy at Campeche: The Road to Battle, the Fight, and Its Legacy.” Ritchie’s presentation will examine one of the most significant chapters in the history of the Texian Navy and the naval struggle that helped shape the young Republic’s place in the Gulf of Mexico.
The commemoration will begin with a musical prelude by the Deer Park High School Orchestra, under the direction of John Law. Rick Giuffré, Chairman of the Texian Navy Day Committee, will welcome guests, with Michael D. Wilson, KSJ, President General of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, serving as master of ceremonies.
The program will include the presentation of colors, pledges to the United States and Texas flags, recognition of participating heritage and historical organizations, special proclamations, the annual Sailor of the Year Awards, the keynote address, and the laying of the memorial wreath. The ceremony will conclude with Taps, a benediction, a salute to Texas patriots and the retirement of colors.
Program Highlights
Musical Prelude: Deer Park High School Orchestra, John Law, Director
Welcome: Rick Giuffré, Chairman, Texian Navy Day Committee
Master of Ceremonies: Michael D. Wilson, KSJ, President General, The Sons of the Republic of Texas
Invocation: Joe R. Davidson, KSJ, Past Knight Commander
Call to the Colors: Carl Hill, KSJ, SRT Color Guard
Pledges to the Flags: Antonio Cerda IV, President, Erastus “Deaf” Smith Chapter
Special Proclamations: Presented by Paul Powell, Past President, San Jacinto Chapter, with recognitions from the Governor of Texas and the mayors of Deer Park, La Porte and Morgan’s Point
Sailor of the Year Awards: Presented by Paul Bell, President, San Jacinto Chapter; Antonio Cerda IV, President, Deaf Smith Chapter; and Pat Burell, Vice President, Sam Houston Chapter
Keynote Address: Michael Ritchie, “The Texian Navy at Campeche: The Road to Battle, the Fight, and Its Legacy”
Laying of the Memorial Wreath: Michael D. Wilson, KSJ, SRT President General; Ora Jane Johnson, President General, Daughters of the Republic of Texas; and Judy Hayman, Registrar General, San Jacinto Descendants
Benediction: Dennis M. Giuffré, Past Knight Chaplain
Salute to Texas Patriots: Honoring the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, San Jacinto Descendants, Alamo Descendants, Texas Navy Association, Texas Army and Lone Star Volunteers – Rolling Thunder.
Representatives of the Texas Historical Commission and the San Jacinto Battleground and Monument Museum will also participate in the program, including Amy Rogers, Executive Director; David C. Avila Jr., Director of Museum Operations; and Andy Smith, Site Manager.
The Sons of the Republic of Texas invites the public to attend this special commemoration and help preserve the memory of the men and vessels of the Texian Navy and their contributions to the independence and survival of the Republic of Texas.
ABOUT THE SONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
The Sons of the Republic of Texas, Inc. is dedicated to preserving the memory and heritage of the men and women who established and defended the Republic of Texas. Its membership is composed of direct lineal descendants of those who lived in Texas during the Republic era. Founded in 1893, the organization works to preserve Texas history through education, commemoration, historical programs and the preservation of the legacy of the Republic.
SRT Executive Committee
President General: Michael D. Wilson, KSJ
First Vice President General: Jeff Corbin, KSJ
Second Vice President General: Richard “Dick” Weitzel, KSJ
Secretary General: Kenneth Raney
Treasurer General: Jason Chall
Historian General: Robyn Davis
Chaplain General: Michael Young, KSJ
Executive Committeeman: Devin C. Lindsey, KSJ
Executive Committeeman: Robert Schnuriger