[basil]

Of course I've gotten a kick out of this entire thread, since I'm a 7th generation Texan. I do need to point out, though, that most real Texans are full of BS--myself included,--when it comes to Texas bragging.

One little correction, though--the Texas anthem is not the Eyes of Texas. That is the University of Texas fight song. The Texas anthem is Texas, Our Texas. We used to sing it every morning at flag service held out by the school flagpoles. We did the pledge of allegiance to the USA, the Texas pledge, and sang the Texas anthem. (I don't remember in what order--LOL).

Also, as a school girl growing up in Texas, we studied Texas History from the 1st grade through the 7th grade. In the 8th grade, we were introduced to American History--I kid you not. I love Texas history--both the real stuff, and the folklore.

I have lived around the country and enjoyed most places where I have lived, but Texas is where I want to be. Texas is my home, I'm happy to be here now, and Texas is where I'll die.

[Proud_texan]

I had exactly the same experience you did growing up and had forgotten all about it except we did it in class, which, of course, had both the US and Texas flag.

Thanks for the great memory.

[mtbopfuyn]

Texas anthem is not the Eyes of Texas. That is the University of Texas fight song.

Boo, hiss, spit. Gig 'em Aggies!

[phatoldphart]

Anybody remember the Mobil history comics?

[Max in Utah]

Also, as a school girl growing up in Texas, we studied Texas History from the 1st grade through the 7th grade.

Yeah, me too. I caught hell from Mrs. Dodd the Texas History teacher when I drew a picture of the Alamo flag and put "1836" on it!

(should have been 1824)

[ru4liberty]

Thanks, basil, for setting the record straight. I still love that song after all these years.

How about a singalong, Texans?

Texas, Our Texas

Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty state!
Texas, our Texas! So wonderful, so great!
Boldest* and grandest, withstanding every test;
O empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

CHORUS
God bless you, Texas! And keep you brave and strong.
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.**

Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star.
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow.
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes! We come your children true.
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

*The original lyric was "Largest and grandest" until Alaska became a state. **The recording stops early. The chorus is supposed to be repeated before going on to the next verse.

[toomanygrasshoppers]

Amen. God Bless Texas. I wouldn't want to live (or die) in any other place. (even though the grasshoppers are the size of house cats)

[El Gato]

One little correction, though--the Texas anthem is not the Eyes of Texas. That is the University of Texas fight song.

According to the UT Band web site, "Eyes of Texas" is the UT Alma Mater, while "Texas Fight", aka "Texas Taps" is the official fight song.

[RoseyT]

"Also, as a school girl growing up in Texas, we studied Texas History from the 1st grade through the 7th grade. In the 8th grade, we were introduced to American History--I kid you not. I love Texas history--both the real stuff, and the folklore.

I have lived around the country and enjoyed most places where I have lived, but Texas is where I want to be. Texas is my home, I'm happy to be here now, and Texas is where I'll die. "

My brother-in-law (born in IN, raised in upstate NY, now residing in CA) cannot understand why Texas schools teach Texas history. He claims it's akin to brainwashing. I tell him it's a Texas thing and he wouldn't understand.

Since we're on the subject of the Lone Star State, I'd like to know if any of my fellow Texans get as annoyed as I do when people try to imitate our Texas drawl. It's not something that can be simply duplicated and it ticks me off when people try to do so. My mother-in-law had the audacity to ask me if I had a hard time learning to read and spell because I often drop the "g" at the end of words when I speak. I explained to her that I personally don't know of anyone who has had a problem with reading and spelling because of their Texas dialect. I've had to ask other in-laws not to correct my children when they use the phrase "fixin' to." My next step will be to tell them to stay the hell at home if they don't like the way we talk.

Oh well, at least they only come to visit and they eventually leave, which makes them Yankees instead of Damn Yankees.