Some things at the Museum seldom change. The Truman Kimbro exhibit is permanent, as is another dedicated to the courthouses of Madison County. The case full of arrowheads stays, and one of the photos from local communities doesn’t change much or often. But if all stays the same, why should you make another visit?

As many of you know, Governor Abbott called upon legislators to return to Austin on July 8 to begin the first Special Session of the 87th Legislature. On Wednesday, July 7, the Governor announced the Special Session agenda. As expected, election integrity and bail reform were on top of that list, along with nine other items of interest.

On an unseasonably cool Thursday, July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared what its delegates had voted on just two days prior: total independence from King George III and Great Britain. In doing so, the founding fathers pushed back against tyranny, creating a new form of government whose power was to be derived only from the consent of those they govern. Their plan was for all citizens to be equal, and for all to have the right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Radical at the time, the actions of men such as Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson paved the way for the United States Constitution just 13 years later, and what we know today as the longest standing democracy in the world.

This IS Musings, but I’ve started out under a different hat. Besides writing for the Museum, I am also a member of the Madison County Historical Commission, which is now separate. I am chairperson of its Publication Committee, which has been charged with putting together a third volume of Madison County history.

As you may have heard, Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that legislators will need to shelve their summer plans as we will be back in Austin on July 8th to convene our first Special Session of the 87th Legislature. In Texas, a Special Session can only be called by the Governor, and the Legislature may only consider items the Governor adds to the agenda. And while we do not officially know what policy areas will be added to the call, I feel confident saying that we will be back tackling his Emergency Items that did not pass during the 140-day Regular Session. Once the items are named, I will be sure to update you with more specific information.

June 20 is the final day for Governor Abbott to sign or veto a piece of legislation passed in the 87th Legislative Session. The Governor also has the option to not sign or veto a bill, effectively allowing the legislation to become law without his signature. While many legislators wait patiently to learn the fate of their bills, I’ve been fortunate enough to have earned approval from the Governor on all 12 bills of mine that were on his desk. None of this is possible, however, without input from you. Almost all of the Ashby bills that were signed into law recently were borne of out communication from individuals across our district. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Austin and please never hesitate to reach out if you have an idea for future legislation.

Ross Garrett (1919-2010) was born in Nacogdoches. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from which he ultimately retired as a First Lieutenant. On May 1, 1943, while flying his 17th mission, Ross’s airplane was shot down in the China-Burma-India Theater where he was a prisoner of war from 1943 to 1945. During the war he was awarded several medals, including a Purple Heart.

On June 14th, 244 years ago, the Second Continental Congress met under the leadership of John Hancock in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Outside of those walls, citizens from what used to be 13 individual colonies fought as one against the oppressive British Crown. That day, the delegates adopted a design for the original American Flag for soldiers and citizens to rally behind on their quest for total independence. Still today we celebrate June 14th as Flag Day in America, and I hope you’ll proudly display the stars and stripes in honor of all who have fought so bravely for our freedom.