Governor Greg Abbott joined the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution (TSSAR) to unveil a new monument honoring Texas revolutionary war patriots at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin Saturday, 18 April 2026. Speaking to the gathered audience of over 150, Governor Abbott proudly noted that his strong American heritage dates to 1755.
“We must educate every generation about why it is that America grew from a tenuous 13 colonies into the most powerful country in the history of the world,” said Governor Abbott. “This monument here is an enduring testament to the heroes who fought for the freedom that is unique to America. Stories of these heroes must be told. Generations of Americans must be reminded of who they are and what they fought for.”
He highlighted that his ancestors had a history in defending the ideals that created America 250 years ago. Because of documentation linking him to a direct patriot descendent who supported the cause of American Independence, Governor Abbott qualified and chose to be inducted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution by Texas State President Mel Oller. The SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal was presented to the Governor by Texas State President Mel Oller in recognition of his outstanding and public service to the people of Texas.
“This year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which not only gave freedom to the British colonies of North America, but inspired movements for freedom and liberty all over the world,” said TSSAR President Mel Oller. “Texans played a role in the war too, and it’s important to recognize them, and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the monument honors 69 patriots of the American Revolutionary War who later settled in Texas, including over 25 native Tejanos who supported the cause of independence.
At the monument unveiling, Governor Abbott and TSSAR honored, among others:
• José Santiago Seguín, grandfather of Texas Revolutionary hero Juan Seguín.
• Peter Sides, who fought in the 2nd Battalion of the North Carolina Regiment of the Colonial Army and was later killed in the 1813 Battle of Medina, fighting for Mexican independence against Spain.
• Antonio Gil Y’Barbo, the founder of Nacogdoches.
• William Sparks, who fought as a mounted rifleman in the American Revolution and later settled in Texas. He had two sons and two grandsons who fought in the Texas Revolution.
• Owen Shannon and Zachariah Landrum, two early founders of Montgomery Texas whose family members still reside throughout the county.
“We must educate every generation about why it is that America grew from a tenuous 13 colonies into the most powerful country in the history of the world,” said Governor Abbott. “This monument here is an enduring testament to the heroes who fought for the freedom that is unique to America. Stories of these heroes must be told. Generations of Americans must be reminded of who they are and what they fought for.”
He highlighted that his ancestors had a history in defending the ideals that created America 250 years ago. Because of documentation linking him to a direct patriot descendent who supported the cause of American Independence, Governor Abbott qualified and chose to be inducted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution by Texas State President Mel Oller. The SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal was presented to the Governor by Texas State President Mel Oller in recognition of his outstanding and public service to the people of Texas.
“This year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, which not only gave freedom to the British colonies of North America, but inspired movements for freedom and liberty all over the world,” said TSSAR President Mel Oller. “Texans played a role in the war too, and it’s important to recognize them, and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.”
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the monument honors 69 patriots of the American Revolutionary War who later settled in Texas, including over 25 native Tejanos who supported the cause of independence.
At the monument unveiling, Governor Abbott and TSSAR honored, among others:
• José Santiago Seguín, grandfather of Texas Revolutionary hero Juan Seguín.
• Peter Sides, who fought in the 2nd Battalion of the North Carolina Regiment of the Colonial Army and was later killed in the 1813 Battle of Medina, fighting for Mexican independence against Spain.
• Antonio Gil Y’Barbo, the founder of Nacogdoches.
• William Sparks, who fought as a mounted rifleman in the American Revolution and later settled in Texas. He had two sons and two grandsons who fought in the Texas Revolution.
• Owen Shannon and Zachariah Landrum, two early founders of Montgomery Texas whose family members still reside throughout the county.
A very special thanks to Richard Zdunkewicz for his tireless efforts and unyielding leadership in bringing this patriotic endeavor to fruition. To the many individuals and fellow heritage organizations who donated in this labor of honor, you have the deepest gratitude of the entire Texas Sons of the American Revolution and the citizens of Texas.
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Texas Society Color Guard 18 April 2026 Texas Cemetery Austin |