U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, shared stories about Texas history, his childhood and living for what you believe at Orr Elementary School.
Gohmert stopped by the campus Wednesday as part of Texas Public Schools Week. Clad in a navy blazer, boots and a white cowboy hat — the school had hat day — Gohmert took a short tour before talking to third- and fourth-graders.
Gohmert said it was a not-so-favorite fourth-grade teacher who turned his interests toward law when he was a child. The teacher had called out a friend of Gohmert's and, Gohmert said, he was going to stick up for him.
“That really wasn't his fault,” he told the teacher. “If I could explain.”
“We don't need any lawyers in here,” the teacher said.
That was the first time he thought about law. Gohmert went on to become a district judge, chief justice of the 12th Court of Appeals and now a congressman.
He shared the story of the Battle of Sabine Pass, a Civil War battle that turned back one of several Union attempts to invade and occupy part of Texas during the Civil War, according to The Handbook of Texas Online.
The story is one of underdogs, a group of about 40 men defeating thousands of Union soldiers who sought to gain a foothold.
Gohmert told the students there still is a marker in memory of Dick Dowling, the Confederate lieutenant who directed the troops.
“We've got a lot to be proud of,” Gohmert said after finishing the story.
When he opened the floor to questions, several students asked the congressman about the conflict in Libya.
He told the students that the Libyan people got tired of the meanness and corruption of their leader and said that is why they are rebelling.
Gohmert said he has some reservations about the United States' involvement.
“We've got to make sure that the guys who are going to replace the bad guy aren't worse than he (is),” Gohmert said.
He also shared with students about President Abraham Lincoln and the impact John Quincy Adams had on Lincoln.
Adams fought in Congress unsuccessfully to end slavery for more than a decade before his death. Although he was unsuccessful, his effort inspired Lincoln, who did end it.
“If you feel like you're right and you know something is wrong and you know people are being hurt, you just do what you can,” Gohmert said.
Students presented Gohmert with an Orr backpack and a gift bag.
Music teacher Deborah Loper said Texas hot sauce, chips and several books were included in the gifts.
Fourth-grader Tyitia Powell, 10, said she learned from Gohmert that it takes a lot of work to be successful sometimes and that you have to keep trying and not give up.
Oscar Perdomo, 10, also a fourth-grader, said through the stories about the Sabine Pass War and other history, he learned that against all odds a person can win.
Gohmert complimented the students for their attentiveness. He said he wanted the students to understand that freedom isn't free.
“We're here enjoying this because others that preceded us, they gave it all so we could,” he said.
