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.