Bicentennial Commemoration Set For Texas' First Republic

Bicentennial commemoration set for Texas' first republic Express-News Copyright 2013 Express-News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 5:23 pm, Friday, April 5, 2013 A group of Texans will commemorate the 200th anniversary of that republic with a program beginning at 10 a.m. at the Spanish Governor's Palace downtown. Gilberto Hinojosa, professor emeritus of the University of the Incarnate Word, will deliver a keynote speech describing how the first republic rose and fell as its regional identity and economy were in flux. Spain, having already suppressed a Mexican bid for independence led by Padre Miguel Hidalgo, responded to the Texas revolt with a formidable army. Saturday's commemoration will begin with a color guard that will include the first republic's green flag, said Dan Arellano, president of the Austin-based Battle of Medina Society, which has put on the event for seven years.