R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, February 28, 1997, has been designated Taiwan Peace

 1-2     Day, and this noteworthy occasion is truly worthy of special

 1-3     recognition at this time; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, On February 28, 1947, a crowd of 2,000 people

 1-5     assembled in Taipei to protest the beating death of a cigarette

 1-6     vendor at the hands of police agents; during the demonstration,

 1-7     machine-gun fire from a government building swept the crowd,

 1-8     killing at least four people, and the resulting popular uprising

 1-9     against the military government was the genesis of the democratic

1-10     form of government that Taiwan enjoys today; and

1-11           WHEREAS, Since that time Taiwan has grown and flourished both

1-12     politically and economically, and the country is now a crucial

1-13     element in the stability and prosperity of the Asia Pacific region;

1-14     and

1-15           WHEREAS, Taiwan's commitment to democracy was aptly reflected

1-16     when, in March 1996, the country's first presidential election by

1-17     direct popular vote took place; a capitalist success story, Taiwan

1-18     has assumed a preeminent role in global commerce and is now Texas'

1-19     sixth-largest trading partner; and

1-20           WHEREAS, In recognition of the tragic events of February 28,

1-21     1947, and the democratic movement that sprang from them, the day's

1-22     50th anniversary  has been declared Taiwan Peace Day, and while

1-23     this commemoration honors those who gave their lives in the

1-24     struggle against oppression, it is also a day of reconciliation for

 2-1     the people of Taiwan; although it is painful to recall the

 2-2     injustices of the past, doing so is our best defense against their

 2-3     being repeated, and it is in this spirit that we mark this solemn

 2-4     occasion; now, therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-6     Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 1997, as Taiwan Peace Day

 2-7     and honor those around the world who have sacrificed themselves to

 2-8     the cause of human freedom.

                                                                      Madden

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 221 was adopted by the House on March

         5, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House