In Memoriam Big Tex

It's a sad day in Dallas as everyone seems to be talking about the loss of one of this city's symbols.

Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall figure that has presided over the State Fair of Texas since 1952, was destroyed by fire this morning. And across the state, Big Tex has been the topic of conversation as countless people tweet, blog, and call in to talk radio stations to share their memories of the icon in the cowboy hat and denim pants.

What memories do you have of Big Tex?