By Uher H.C.R. No. 265 75R15435 JTR-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, One of the Lone Star State's greatest assets is the 1-2 depth and diversity of the cultures that comprise our common 1-3 heritage, and among the most influential contributors to the 1-4 state's history are Texans of Czech descent; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Czech immigration to Texas reached its peak during 1-6 the mid-19th century, when thousands of families left Bohemia, 1-7 Moravia, and Silesia to seek their freedom and improve their 1-8 livelihood in the New World; settling across Central Texas, these 1-9 hardy individuals survived, flourished, and progressed from pioneer 1-10 privation to representation in the fields of literature, science, 1-11 art, law, and politics, and left an enduring agrarian heritage in 1-12 their adopted home, and the Czech language is still widely spoken 1-13 in numerous areas of the state; and 1-14 WHEREAS, The vibrant Czech traditions that shaped the state 1-15 have continued to endure, handed down from generation to 1-16 generation, and to ensure the preservation of this priceless 1-17 legacy, a number of public-spirited citizens have committed 1-18 themselves to the creation of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural 1-19 Center, to be located in La Grange; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Widely known as the "Cradle of Czech Immigration," 1-21 Fayette County is an appropriate site for the center, which will 1-22 celebrate and promote the unique contributions of Czechs to Texas 1-23 through displays of authentic artifacts and printed material, 2-1 genealogical information, and a living history area; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Intended not only as a repository of historical 2-3 material, but also as a vital and valued resource within the 2-4 community, the center's projected facilities will include a 2-5 library, exhibit hall, auditorium, amphitheater, and archives; with 2-6 so much to offer, the facility will undoubtedly serve as a popular 2-7 gathering place for citizens of Czech descent from across the 2-8 state, as well as a stirring permanent tribute to the many 2-9 contributions of the Czech community; and 2-10 WHEREAS, The recent reemergence of the Czech Republic as a 2-11 free democratic nation has reaffirmed the longstanding pride that 2-12 the more than 1,000,000 Texans of Czech heritage take in their 2-13 roots, and the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center will stand 2-14 as a fitting expression of this proud legacy; now, therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-16 hereby recognize all those associated with the Texas Czech Heritage 2-17 and Cultural Center and extend to them sincere best wishes for 2-18 every success in the years to come; and, be it further 2-19 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-20 prepared for display in the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural 2-21 Center as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of 2-22 Representatives and Senate.