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.