By Palmer                                        H.R. No. 291

      75R7363 SMZ-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The wedding anniversary of two outstanding Texans

 1-2     who  have shared many happy and rewarding years of marriage is

 1-3     truly a memorable occasion worthy of special praise and

 1-4     recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Joe Vargas and Hope Saldana Vargas had the privilege

 1-6     of commemorating one such momentous event in their lives when they

 1-7     celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on February 9, 1997; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, United in matrimony on February 9, 1947, in Fort

 1-9     Worth, Mr. and Mrs. Vargas have nurtured an enduring relationship

1-10     that has  grown in love and mutual respect with each passing year

1-11     and that has been blessed with six daughters; and

1-12           WHEREAS, Mr. Vargas has served his country with great

1-13     distinction, receiving the Purple Heart for his valor during World

1-14     War II; after the war, Mr. Vargas dedicated himself to a career in

1-15     the postal service, and his recent retirement has afforded him

1-16     greater opportunities to devote time to his favorite sport as a

1-17     charter member of the Pan American Golf Association; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Mrs. Vargas tirelessly  cultivated  a vibrant and

1-19     healthy family, spending countless hours loving and teaching her

1-20     six beautiful daughters; Mrs. Vargas was also renowned in her

1-21     hometown for her green thumb, caring for her gardens as she would

1-22     her family and community--with great love; and

1-23           WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Vargas, having lived in Fort Worth for

1-24     their entire married life, are now deservedly enjoying the many

 2-1     benefits of their full and active life together, and they greatly

 2-2     treasure the time they spend with their family, which has grown to

 2-3     include eight grandchildren; the couple also share a deep and

 2-4     abiding religious faith as members of St. Peter's Catholic Church;

 2-5     and

 2-6           WHEREAS, For five decades, Joe and Hope Vargas have enjoyed a

 2-7     strong and lasting marriage filled with many happy times and

 2-8     cherished family memories; built on a solid foundation of mutual

 2-9     understanding, trust, and support, their life together has indeed

2-10     been a source of joy and inspiration to the many friends and

2-11     relatives of this fortunate pair; now, therefore, be it

2-12           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-13     Legislature hereby congratulate Joe and Hope Vargas on the joyous

2-14     occasion of their wedding anniversary and extend to them warmest

2-15     best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further

2-16           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-17     prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Vargas as an expression of high regard by

2-18     the Texas House of Representatives.