By: Harris S.R. No. 255 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, The Republic of Texas became the 28th state of the 1-3 United States of America on December 29, 1845, an event that has 1-4 become known as the "Annexation of Texas," and was an event of 1-5 significance in the development of the United States as a world 1-6 power; and 1-7 WHEREAS, The final series of diplomatic steps that led to the 1-8 annexation of Texas began on February 28, 1845, with the adoption 1-9 by the Congress of the United States of a Joint Resolution offering 1-10 annexation to the Republic of Texas; and 1-11 WHEREAS, The year 1845 saw the occurrence in Texas of numerous 1-12 steps necessary to accomplish annexation, including the calling of 1-13 a special session of the Congress of the Republic of Texas, the 1-14 calling of a convention to write a state constitution, and a 1-15 referendum of the people of Texas; and 1-16 WHEREAS, On December 29, 1845, President Polk signed the act 1-17 that merged the Lone Star into the 27 other stars that adorned the 1-18 flag of the United States of America, thus ending a dramatic struggle 1-19 whose outcome had remained uncertain for the past 10 years; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In a brief but historic ceremony on February 19, 1846, 1-21 the Texas Flag of the Republic was lowered and replaced by the Stars 1-22 and Stripes; President Anson Jones handed over his authority to the 1-23 newly elected governor, J. Pinckney Henderson, and delivered his 2-1 farewell address, ending most eloquently: "The final act in this 2-2 great drama is now performed; the Republic of Texas is no more"; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Texas has played a unique and prominent role in the 2-4 development of our nation since 1845; Texans are proud of their 2-5 magnificent contributions to the emergence of our nation into a 2-6 democratic republic that has exerted tremendous influence throughout 2-7 the world; and 2-8 WHEREAS, The year marking the 150th anniversary of Texas 2-9 Statehood will commence on February 28, 1995, and will continue 2-10 until year's end so that all the citizens of Texas may commemorate 2-11 this momentous turning point in the history of our state; now, 2-12 therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-14 74th Legislature, hereby declare 1995 to be the Year of the 2-15 Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood beginning on this day, 2-16 February 28, 1995; and, be it further 2-17 RESOLVED, That the year 1995 be a year of celebration for the 2-18 people of Texas. 2-19 ______________________________________ 2-20 President of the Senate 2-21 I hereby certify that the above 2-22 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-23 on February 16, 1995. 2-24 ______________________________________ 2-25 Secretary of the Senate 3-1 ______________________________________ 3-2 Member, Texas Senate