By Saunders H.R. No. 82 74R3523 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Texans of German descent have had a profound impact 1-2 on the state's heritage and culture, laboring tirelessly to create 1-3 prosperity in even the most challenging conditions and 1-4 circumstances; and 1-5 WHEREAS, German immigrants began settling in Texas in the 1-6 final years of Mexico's sovereignty; a freedom-loving people, those 1-7 colonists joined with other Texans in their quest for independence, 1-8 battling bravely in engagements at Goliad, San Jacinto, and the 1-9 Alamo to help secure Texas' status as a sovereign nation; and 1-10 WHEREAS, German immigration to Texas gained momentum after 1-11 the Civil War, and Germans continued to relocate to the Lone Star 1-12 State in substantial numbers until after the turn of the century; 1-13 and 1-14 WHEREAS, Exceptionally gifted and determined in all forms of 1-15 endeavor, German settlers in Texas achieved outstanding success in 1-16 agriculture, business, and industry, helping to foster much-needed 1-17 economic diversity; and 1-18 WHEREAS, German-Americans comprise the largest ethnic group 1-19 in the United States and one of the largest in Texas, and these 1-20 highly productive individuals have successfully made the difficult 1-21 transition from Old World to New World citizens without sacrificing 1-22 their unique cultural heritage; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Texans of German extraction have been a dynamic 1-24 force in shaping the history and culture of our state, and their 2-1 many achievements in this regard are indeed worthy of special 2-2 legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby recognize the first week of October as German 2-5 Cultural Awareness Week in the State of Texas.