By Yost H.R. No. 27 74R548 BNL-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The inclusion of a mosaic Reverse of the State Seal 1-2 of Texas in the Capitol Extension has enhanced the design of that 1-3 building and delighted tourists from all over the world, and Texans 1-4 owe a great debt of gratitude to the late Henry C. Wedemeyer, the 1-5 original designer of the Reverse, for contributing such a unique 1-6 and colorful symbol to Texas folklore; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Although the State of Texas has had a Great Seal for 1-8 marking official government documents and papers since its 1-9 admission into the Union, at which time it adopted with slight 1-10 modification the Seal of the Republic of Texas, it did not have an 1-11 image for the reverse side of the Great Seal until Mr. Wedemeyer's 1-12 design was submitted for consideration; and 1-13 WHEREAS, A highly regarded architect in the San Antonio area 1-14 for many years, Mr. Wedemeyer designed the interior of that city's 1-15 Aztec Theater in 1926 and aided in the restoration of La Villita, 1-16 an original Mexican village dating back to the city's settlement 1-17 that has since become a popular tourist attraction; at one time, 1-18 this esteemed Texan shared a San Antonio studio with eminent 1-19 sculptor Gutzon Borglum; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Mr. Wedemeyer was commissioned by the Daughters of 1-21 the Republic of Texas to design the Reverse in 1931; the coat of 1-22 arms incorporated the six flags that have flown over the state 1-23 during different eras, an oak branch, a cannon, and other symbols 1-24 of Texas' valiant fight for independence; and 2-1 WHEREAS, On August 11, 1961, three decades after 2-2 Mr. Wedemeyer articulated his conception of the Reverse, the 2-3 legislature adopted a concurrent resolution that approved his 2-4 design as an official state symbol, and the Reverse Seal was 2-5 displayed in the State Capitol in Austin; and 2-6 WHEREAS, When the Capitol Extension was designed in 1989, the 2-7 Reverse Seal was chosen to be the focal point of the link between 2-8 the Capitol and the newer Extension; some minor revisions were made 2-9 to Mr. Wedemeyer's design to ensure historical accuracy, and the 2-10 Reverse Seal was incorporated into the terrazzo floor in an area 2-11 now referred to as the "Seal Court"; and 2-12 WHEREAS, Since then, Mr. Wedemeyer's design has become a 2-13 favorite stopping point for visitors to the State Capitol, and 2-14 tourists as well as native Texans pause at this insignia to reflect 2-15 upon the courage and vision of our state's indomitable founders; 2-16 Mr. Wedemeyer's stirring rendition of the symbols of our Lone Star 2-17 heritage is indeed a fitting memorial to the spirited men and women 2-18 who pioneered this rough land, and his seal will surely inspire 2-19 many future generations to grow in their understanding of the pride 2-20 and independence that are the legacy of those early Texans; now, 2-21 therefore, be it 2-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-23 Legislature hereby recognize Henry C. Wedemeyer as the original 2-24 designer of the Reverse of the State Seal of Texas; and, be it 2-25 further 2-26 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-27 prepared for the members of his family as an expression of high 3-1 regard and appreciation by the Texas House of Representatives.