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.