1-1     By:  Staples (Senate Sponsor - Ogden)                H.C.R. No. 256

 1-2           (In the Senate - Received from the House May 16, 1997;

 1-3     May 17, 1997, read first time and referred to Committee on

 1-4     Administration; May 18, 1997, reported favorably by the following

 1-5     vote:  Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 18, 1997, sent to printer.)

 1-6                         HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-7           WHEREAS, On September 27, 1997, the citizens of Hearne and

 1-8     Robertson County will celebrate the "Crossroads" Sunflower

 1-9     Festival, and the members of this chamber are proud to recognize

1-10     this noteworthy event; and

1-11           WHEREAS, Hearne, the "Crossroads of Texas," has long been

1-12     known for its proliferation of sunflowers, and these magnificent

1-13     plants have become a vital part of the community's landscape; and

1-14           WHEREAS, The ecological diversity of this region, which also

1-15     produces cotton, alfalfa, and corn, is well-known throughout Texas,

1-16     and in addition to providing beauty, the sunflower produces edible

1-17     seeds and low-fat oil; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Sunflowers thrive in the sandy soil and mild climate

1-19     of Robertson County, creating an eye-catching spectacle for

1-20     residents and visitors alike; the brilliant orange disks, with

1-21     their bright yellow rays, sway atop the plants' towering stalks,

1-22     rustling in Indian Summer's warm breezes; and

1-23           WHEREAS, This glorious display of color mirrors the positive

1-24     attitude of the citizens of Hearne, and their embracing this

1-25     distinctive flower further emphasizes its importance and relevance

1-26     within this fine community; now, therefore, be it

1-27           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

1-28     hereby declare Hearne the Sunflower Capital of Texas and commend

1-29     the organizers of the "Crossroads" Sunflower Festival for their

1-30     concerted efforts to promote the festival and encourage the

1-31     planting of sunflowers; and, be it further

1-32           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

1-33     prepared for the organizers of the festival as an expression of

1-34     high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

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