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.

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