What: A meeting of all citizens of the counties surrounding and including Bexar County with an interest in organizing and training local militia units in their areas. Under the U.S. Constitution, the Militia are all citizens able to carry arms in defense of the State, who may be called to duty by the President or the Governor of the State, together with such other citizens as may wish to participate. Each member of the Militia is expected to provide his or her own weapon and ammunition for it, and other equipment. During this century, the implementation of the provisions of the U.S. Constitution which call for Militia training have been neglected, and our purpose will be to revive this tradition and fulfill the intent of the Framers.
Where: The present plan is to meet in San Antonio on the median of the unfinished portion of Hwy 151 south of Westover Hills Road, near the entrance to Sea World, on the southwest side of San Antonio. From there we may go to the Bullet Hole, a shooting range. To get there take US 90 past Loop 1604. Take the first right turn, which is Grosenbacher Road, and go about 2 miles. It has a $5.00 charge. We will not be meeting in a city park as previously planned. These sites are subject to change, however, so be alert to late announcements or call the phone number shown below.
When: Beginning at 6:00 AM and continuing through late afternoon. Try not to be later than 8:00 AM. If you have to work and can't stay all day, at least be there from 6:00 to 8:00 AM.
Why April 19: On April 19, 1775, the American Revolution began with the battle of Lexington and Concord, when local militias resisted the attempt by British soldiers to seize their stocks of weapons. It is also the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising during World War II, and of the final assault on Mount Carmel. It is also close to the anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto, where on April 21, 1836, the Texas Militia defeated the Army of Mexico. We commemorate these events, and seek to establish April 19 of each year as a national holiday for persons reporting for militia duty.
Where to park: Along the roadway, clear of the pavement. If the ground is wet, check it first to avoid getting stuck.
What to bring: One rifle or shotgun, with ammunition, but unloaded. No handguns or other weapons than short knives, except for those used in training demonstrations. Comfortable footwear and headgear. Knapsack to carry lunch and gear, and to carry out trash. Canteen. U.S. and Texas flags. Relevant books and training manuals. There will be no latrines, so plan accordingly.
Training topics: The morning will be devoted to organizing participants into groups who will take turns studying and discussing various topics: home and community defense, disaster prevention and recovery, safe use and storage of weapons, weapons laws, constitutional law, jury rights and duties, organizing local militia units, assistance to law enforcement, crime prevention, citizen arrest powers and procedures, resistance to illegal authority, field medicine, neighborhood patrols, neighborhood alert systems and communications, working with troubled youth, investigating crime, uncovering official corruption and election fraud, military drill and manual of arms, march music.
Especially needed: We have invited the Texas National Guard, Texas Rangers, Bexar County Sheriff, and San Antonio Police to provide instructors in some of the above areas, but they are busy during this period, so we need persons with special expertise to lead the seminars and discussion groups and provide training. We could use experts in constitutional law and history, militia history, electronics and communications, surveillance technology, public information, CPR and first aid, field medicine, improvised munitions, and ballistics.
Extras needed: Portable public address system with batteries, musical instruments suitable for marching (such as fife and drum), video cameras with extra batteries and tapes, signs and signmaking materials, banners, voting precinct maps, portable CB radios, ham radio equipment, portable computers, sample election materials.
Things to read: U.S. and Texas Constitutions, Halbrook: That Every Man Be Armed, Norval: The Militia in the 20th Century, Collier & Collier: Votescam, Ayoob: The Truth About Self-Protection, In the Gravest Extreme, StressFire, Gottlieb: The Rights of Gun Owners, U.S. Army Manual of Drill and Manual of Arms. We will expect everyone to be able to memorize the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 10th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the relevant provisions of Article I Section 8. Also, bring any other relevant books, manuals, or articles that you think would contribute to this event.
Discipline: All participants will be subject to Militia Discipline. There is to be no alcohol and no littering. Participants are discouraged from displaying paramilitary trappings where they may be seen by news media. Persons who take any action that may endanger anyone or that may tend to discredit this gathering will be ejected and in extreme cases may be subject to arrest.
Spread the word: Make copies of this announcement and try to get as many people to come as you can. Try to get people of all kinds, from every neighborhood and walk of life. Notify your local media. If you can, begin in advance to organize a local militia and get them to come as a unit. We would especially like to see women, older children, and members of minority groups.
Political Action: For those who wish to do so, the afternoon will be devoted to political protests of violations of the U.S. and State Constitutions, including visits to public officials and a march to demonstrate our commitment.
For information: This event is being called by the Texas Militia Correspondence Committee and the Constitution Research, both at 6900 San Pedro #147-230, San Antonio, TX 78216, 210/224-2868.
About the Constitution Research: It is a non- profit action organization dedicated to making government conform to constitutional principles, as embodied in the Constitution of the United States according to the original intent of its Framers, and their writings and speeches. It is not limited to the United States, but seeks to establish or restore constitutional principles everywhere. It has no social or economic agenda, and is not for or against any law or government program or activity except insofar as it conforms to the Constitution of the nation and state. Dues are $50.00 per year.
About the Texas Militia Correspondence Committee: It is to coordinate local independent militias throughout the State of Texas and assist them in meeting and training, in the absence of legislation and direction at the state or national level. If the Governor or President were to call up the Militia, it would assist in complying with the callup. It also serves as a point of contact with correspondence committees in other states. At present, members are self-appointed, but it is planned that it will eventually be elected by county militia commanders, who will in turn be elected by precinct militia commanders.
Remember: The Militia consists of all able- bodied citizens, together with such others as wish to participate. It is not a private association or some select subset of the people. The Militia has the constitutional right to assemble bearing arms.