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.