By:  Johnson                                           H.R. No. 555
       73R8945 LBD-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS,  In the fine tradition of companionship and goodwill
    1-2  that has long existed between Australia and the United States, the
    1-3  Rotary International Group Study Exchange Team from New South
    1-4  Wales, Australia, is visiting the Capitol, and the Texas House of
    1-5  Representatives is pleased to extend a warm welcome to these
    1-6  special emissaries of friendship from the beautiful "land down
    1-7  under"; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, Both the United States and Australia derive a great
    1-9  deal of their heritage from the British Empire's imperial
   1-10  conquests, and their development of language, social values, and
   1-11  international policies have in many ways paralleled one another;
   1-12  since World War II, these two countries, with their cultural and
   1-13  historical similarities, have enjoyed an amicable relationship
   1-14  based on mutual trust and common values; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, Australians have prospered under a federal system of
   1-16  government much like our own; the powers of the Commonwealth are
   1-17  specified in the national constitution and residual authority
   1-18  remains with the nation's six states, each of which has a bicameral
   1-19  legislature, and two self-governing territories; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, With shared political ideals, the United States and
   1-21  Australia have fought side-by-side in every major world conflict of
   1-22  this century; mutual concern for one another's well-being has led
   1-23  to a defense pact between the two countries that allows for joint
   1-24  Australian/United States defense facilities at North West Cape,
    2-1  Pine Gap, and Nurrungar; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, In addition to military arrangements that reflect
    2-3  benevolent relations, many social programs have been significant in
    2-4  promoting a mutual cultural understanding; in 1988, 800 Australian
    2-5  schools were coupled with schools in the United States, and through
    2-6  audio and video tapes, electronic mail, packages, and letters,
    2-7  children from both countries were able to learn about life in the
    2-8  two lands; and
    2-9        WHEREAS, Rotary District 9750 of New South Wales, Australia,
   2-10  with approximately 2,400 members in 58 individual clubs, will
   2-11  continue to build on the strong bonds that exist between our two
   2-12  countries when it experiences a taste of Texas culture as Rotary
   2-13  District 5910 of East Texas introduces its Australian counterparts
   2-14  to the Texas Capitol; and
   2-15        WHEREAS, Members of the visiting Australian rotary district
   2-16  include the following honored guests:  team leader Ronald C. Wynn,
   2-17  Brian Joseph Love, Angela Cross, Jonathon Craig Prowse, Gregory
   2-18  William Attwell, and Bradley Wicht; and
   2-19        WHEREAS, This exemplary group of professional men and women
   2-20  are truly worthy of special legislative recognition for their
   2-21  exceptional efforts to promote and enhance the friendship and
   2-22  goodwill that exist between our two cultures; now, therefore, be it
   2-23        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   2-24  Legislature hereby extend a hearty welcome to the members of the
   2-25  Rotary International Group Study Exchange Team from New South
   2-26  Wales, Australia, on the occasion of their visit to the State
   2-27  Capitol and extend to this fine group warmest best wishes for a
    3-1  memorable stay in Texas; and, be it further
    3-2        RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
    3-3  for the members of Rotary District 9750 as an expression of high
    3-4  regard by the Texas House of Representatives.