H.R. No. 463
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to join
    1-2  the citizens of Palestine in the joyous celebration of Palestine
    1-3  Day at the Capitol on March 28, 1995; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Located in the geographic center of Anderson County,
    1-5  the community was named for Palestine, Illinois, which once was the
    1-6  home of noted statesman and pastor, Daniel Parker; in the early
    1-7  1830s, Reverend Parker brought a delegation of 36 followers and
    1-8  their families to settle in Palestine, and they established one of
    1-9  the earliest Baptist congregations in Texas; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, Palestine was named the county seat in 1846, and
   1-11  construction began on its first courthouse in the following year;
   1-12  its location on the railroad line helped the community to become a
   1-13  major marketing and distribution point for East Texas' thriving
   1-14  agricultural district, and today it is home to many prosperous
   1-15  industries that contribute greatly to the state's economy; and
   1-16        WHEREAS, Palestine also is the site of NASA's Scientific
   1-17  Balloon Base, which conducts important studies of Earth's upper
   1-18  atmosphere as well as outer space; the base offers tours of the
   1-19  facility to the general public, providing a memorable experience
   1-20  for science devotees of all ages; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, The community also draws many visitors who come to
   1-22  enjoy its vast array of natural and cultural resources; area lakes
   1-23  offer a variety of activities for water sports enthusiasts, while
   1-24  the 11,000-acre Engeling Wildlife Management Area and the Palestine
    2-1  Community Forest provide abundant recreational opportunities as
    2-2  well; and
    2-3        WHEREAS, The town's picturesque Davey Dogwood Park provides
    2-4  400 acres of lovely scenery and is a featured attraction of the
    2-5  annual Texas Dogwood Trails event; in addition, the community's
    2-6  Museum for East Texas Culture, its many historic sites, and the
    2-7  Texas State Railroad State Historical Park impart a sense of the
    2-8  town's vibrant heritage; and
    2-9        WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Palestine is a
   2-10  prosperous, forward-looking community and a leading participant in
   2-11  the state's dynamic growth, and it gives the Texas House of
   2-12  Representatives great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in
   2-13  saluting this fine Texas community; now, therefore, be it
   2-14        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-15  Legislature hereby designate March 28, 1995, as Palestine Day at
   2-16  the Capitol and extend best wishes to all of that community's
   2-17  residents on this noteworthy occasion; and, be it further
   2-18        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-19  prepared for the citizens of Palestine as an expression of high
   2-20  regard by the Texas House of Representatives.