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.

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