By Wise, Thompson, Stiles, Hunter, Bailey,           H.C.R. No. 148

         75R10781 JHS-D                           

                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a

 1-2     variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of

 1-3     the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, and the mockingbird

 1-5     are just a few examples of specimens that exemplify the great

 1-6     diversity of the Texas landscape, while the red grapefruit, our

 1-7     state fruit, represents yet another aspect of our shared culture;

 1-8     and

 1-9           WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the

1-10     Texas sweet onion as the Official State Vegetable of Texas will

1-11     provide suitable recognition for this outstanding food; and

1-12           WHEREAS, The well-known 1015 variation of this onion is

1-13     recognized by gourmet chefs and culinary experts from around the

1-14     world for its characteristic sweetness and its inherent properties

1-15     that inhibit tearing of the eyes; it has been carefully nurtured

1-16     and perfected over time and is renowned for its exceptional flavor

1-17     and well-documented nutritive qualities; and

1-18           WHEREAS, The Lone Star State's reputation as a global leader

1-19     in the development of various varietals of vegetables is well

1-20     deserved, and the creation of the 1015 onion as the first sweet

1-21     onion in the world has contributed greatly to this proud legacy;

1-22     and

1-23           WHEREAS, The Texas sweet onion is as distinctive as the state

1-24     from which it originates and it will no doubt serve as a fitting

1-25     emblem for the bounties of nature with which our state is blessed;

 2-1     now, therefore, be it

 2-2           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-3     hereby designate the Texas sweet onion as the Official State

 2-4     Vegetable of Texas and recognize the historic and cultural

 2-5     significance of this native herb.