1-1 By: Wise, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Lucio) H.C.R. No. 148 1-2 (In the Senate - Received from the House April 15, 1997; 1-3 April 16, 1997, read first time and referred to Committee on 1-4 Administration; April 25, 1997, reported favorably by the following 1-5 vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; April 25, 1997, sent to printer.) 1-6 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-7 WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a 1-8 variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of 1-9 the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, and the mockingbird 1-11 are just a few examples of specimens that exemplify the great 1-12 diversity of the Texas landscape, while the red grapefruit, our 1-13 state fruit, represents yet another aspect of our shared culture; 1-14 and 1-15 WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the 1-16 Texas sweet onion as the Official State Vegetable of Texas will 1-17 provide suitable recognition for this outstanding food; and 1-18 WHEREAS, The well-known 1015 variation of this onion is 1-19 recognized by gourmet chefs and culinary experts from around the 1-20 world for its characteristic sweetness and its inherent properties 1-21 that inhibit tearing of the eyes; it has been carefully nurtured 1-22 and perfected over time and is renowned for its exceptional flavor 1-23 and well-documented nutritive qualities; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The Lone Star State's reputation as a global leader 1-25 in the development of various varietals of vegetables is well 1-26 deserved, and the creation of the 1015 onion as the first sweet 1-27 onion in the world has contributed greatly to this proud legacy; 1-28 and 1-29 WHEREAS, The Texas sweet onion is as distinctive as the state 1-30 from which it originates and it will no doubt serve as a fitting 1-31 emblem for the bounties of nature with which our state is blessed; 1-32 now, therefore, be it 1-33 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 1-34 hereby designate the Texas sweet onion as the Official State 1-35 Vegetable of Texas and recognize the historic and cultural 1-36 significance of this native herb. 1-37 * * * * *