photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph A woman wears a cowboy hat as she attend the "Toast to Texas" program Monday March 2, 2015 held at Traditions in Tyler, Texas. The public event was held by the Sons and Daughters of the Texas Revolution organizations to celebrate Texas Independence Day. The groups celebrated through sharing Texas stories and singing songs about Texas. Mayor Martin Heines read a proclamation encouraging citizens to honor and observe the state holiday in a joyous festive way. Many attendees dresses in Texas themed clothes.

Sons and Daughters of the Texas Revolution celebrated Monday’s Texas Independence Day, when Texans declared their independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas in 1836.

About 40 people attended the celebration at Traditions Restaurant, recalling Texas history, viewing a display of flags that have flown over the state, singing Texas songs and bragging about the state.

Tyler Mayor Martin Heines proclaimed Monday as Texas Independence Day in Tyler commemorating the historic event. The proclamation noted that the Sons and Daughters of the Republic of Texas promote their historical heritage by celebrating the state’s legacy with a “Toast to Texas” program.

“The City of Tyler has played a large historic role in the state of Texas and provided several governors early on in the history of the state,” Heines said.

He also noted that the city’s history is being preserved in the Half Mile of History on the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza with markers recognizing about 50 people and organizations that have had an impact on growing the city.

There are also about 100 properties in the Azalea District named historical city landmarks, Heines said.

David Hanover, of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, presented information about several flags that were displayed that have flown over the state through the years.

The Texas navy flag, officially known as the lone star and stripes flag, was adopted in 1836 and became an icon of Texas history,Hanover said.

Other flags displayed included the “Come and take it” flag from the Gonzales battle and the bloody arm flag from the battle of Goliad, both in 1835; a flag believed to have flown over the Alamo, the Sherman flag from the battle of San Jacinto and flags from Spain, France and the Confederate flag.

The 28-star flag was flown when Texas became the 28th state accepted into the union of the United States in 1846, Hanover said.