R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Many proud residents of the city of Palestine will 1-2 be in Austin on February 20, 1997, to celebrate Palestine Day at 1-3 the Capitol; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The hub of Anderson County, Palestine has been a key 1-5 marketing and distribution point for East Texas residents since the 1-6 mid 1840s; the city's history dates back to the early 1830s when 1-7 the Reverend Daniel Parker led a delegation of 36 followers and 1-8 their families to this frontier region, establishing one of the 1-9 earliest Baptist congregations in Texas; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Tourists can get a glimpse of the area's past at the 1-11 Museum for East Texas Culture, which houses a variety of artifacts 1-12 native to this fascinating region; the Texas State Railroad State 1-13 Historical Park is the boarding point for a trip back in time 1-14 aboard an antique steam train, as travelers chug through 25 miles 1-15 of dense woodlands to the neighboring city of Rusk; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A haven for nature lovers, Anderson County's 1-17 11,000-acre Engeling Wildlife Management Area and the Palestine 1-18 Community Forest provide excellent opportunities for outdoor 1-19 recreational activities in a picturesque surrounding; pristine 1-20 lakes are sprinkled among Palestine's majestic stands of pine and 1-21 dogwood, and the 200-acre Davey Dogwood Park offers superb scenery 1-22 and is a featured attraction of the annual Texas Dogwood Trails 1-23 event; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Palestine is also home to NASA's Scientific Balloon 2-1 Base, which conducts important studies of our planet's upper 2-2 atmosphere as well as outer space; science devotees of all ages can 2-3 tour the facility with one of NASA's tour guides and learn more 2-4 about this exciting program; and 2-5 WHEREAS, A perfect blend of history, nature, and technology, 2-6 Palestine is a prosperous community that is as proud of its 2-7 heritage as it is eager to navigate into the future, and the 2-8 members of this chamber take great pleasure in welcoming the 2-9 citizens of Palestine to Austin and in saluting this fine Texas 2-10 community; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby recognize February 20, 1997, as Palestine Day at 2-13 the Capitol and extend sincere best wishes to all of that 2-14 community's residents on this significant occasion; and, be it 2-15 further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for the citizens of Palestine as an expression of high 2-18 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Staples _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 170 was adopted by the House on February 20, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House