R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, February 22, 1997, will mark the 100th anniversary

 1-2     of the Washington's Birthday Celebration in Laredo, and this

 1-3     significant occasion is indeed deserving of special legislative

 1-4     recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo have been marking the

 1-6     anniversary of George Washington's birth since 1898, and what began

 1-7     as a two-day event has blossomed into one of the city's most

 1-8     anticipated holiday festivals; this year's centennial celebration

 1-9     will include 26 events over the course of 10 days and will continue

1-10     the tradition of blending Hispanic and Anglo cultures in a

1-11     patriotic salute to the father of our country; and

1-12           WHEREAS, The seeds of this integration were first planted in

1-13     1881, when the arrival of the Texas Mexican and the International

1-14     and Great Northern railroads ushered in a new era of immigration

1-15     for this border town; two proud cultures eventually merged, and

1-16     these citizens soon committed themselves to preserving the virtues

1-17     associated with our first president; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Today, thousands of individuals from all levels of

1-19     society band together each year to recreate the colonial era,

1-20     garbing themselves in period costumes and reenacting the pivotal

1-21     events of the time; the pride and enthusiasm displayed by Laredoans

1-22     during the course of this celebration combine to build community

1-23     spirit and to promote the ideals of patriotism and international

1-24     goodwill; and

 2-1           WHEREAS, To millions of Americans, George Washington

 2-2     represents honor, courage, and integrity, and for 100 years, the

 2-3     members of the Laredo community have deemed those traits worthy of

 2-4     annual remembrance and celebration; these spirited Texans are an

 2-5     example to Americans everywhere, and it is truly a privilege to

 2-6     join them in recognizing this noteworthy occasion; now, therefore,

 2-7     be it

 2-8           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-9     Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of the

2-10     Washington's Birthday Celebration in Laredo and extend to the

2-11     event's organizers and participants sincere best wishes for a

2-12     memorable and meaningful celebration; and, be it further

2-13           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-14     prepared for the members of the Washington's Birthday Celebration

2-15     Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of

2-16     Representatives.

                                                                     Cuellar

                                                                        King

                                                                     Raymond

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 57 was adopted by the House on

         January 29, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House