1-1 By: Uher (Senate Sponsor - Armbrister) H.C.R. No. 265 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, One of the Lone Star State's greatest assets is the 1-8 depth and diversity of the cultures that comprise our common 1-9 heritage, and among the most influential contributors to the 1-10 state's history are Texans of Czech descent; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Czech immigration to Texas reached its peak during 1-12 the mid-19th century, when thousands of families left Bohemia, 1-13 Moravia, and Silesia to seek their freedom and improve their 1-14 livelihood in the New World; settling across Central Texas, these 1-15 hardy individuals survived, flourished, and progressed from pioneer 1-16 privation to representation in the fields of literature, science, 1-17 art, law, and politics, and left an enduring agrarian heritage in 1-18 their adopted home, and the Czech language is still widely spoken 1-19 in numerous areas of the state; and 1-20 WHEREAS, The vibrant Czech traditions that shaped the state 1-21 have continued to endure, handed down from generation to 1-22 generation, and to ensure the preservation of this priceless 1-23 legacy, a number of public-spirited citizens have committed 1-24 themselves to the creation of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural 1-25 Center, to be located in La Grange; and 1-26 WHEREAS, Widely known as the "Cradle of Czech Immigration," 1-27 Fayette County is an appropriate site for the center, which will 1-28 celebrate and promote the unique contributions of Czechs to Texas 1-29 through displays of authentic artifacts and printed material, 1-30 genealogical information, and a living history area; and 1-31 WHEREAS, Intended not only as a repository of historical 1-32 material, but also as a vital and valued resource within the 1-33 community, the center's projected facilities will include a 1-34 library, exhibit hall, auditorium, amphitheater, and archives; with 1-35 so much to offer, the facility will undoubtedly serve as a popular 1-36 gathering place for citizens of Czech descent from across the 1-37 state, as well as a stirring permanent tribute to the many 1-38 contributions of the Czech community; and 1-39 WHEREAS, The recent reemergence of the Czech Republic as a 1-40 free democratic nation has reaffirmed the longstanding pride that 1-41 the more than 1,000,000 Texans of Czech heritage take in their 1-42 roots, and the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center will stand 1-43 as a fitting expression of this proud legacy; now, therefore, be it 1-44 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 1-45 hereby recognize all those associated with the Texas Czech Heritage 1-46 and Cultural Center and extend to them sincere best wishes for 1-47 every success in the years to come; and, be it further 1-48 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 1-49 prepared for display in the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural 1-50 Center as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of 1-51 Representatives and Senate. 1-52 * * * * *