R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, In October 1996, a new chapter in the colorful 1-2 history of the Lone Star State was opened when Polish president 1-3 Lech Walesa visited Texas, and this noteworthy occasion is indeed 1-4 deserving of special commemoration; and 1-5 WHEREAS, The son of farmers, President Walesa rose to 1-6 international prominence as the leader of Poland's Solidarity labor 1-7 union, and his plainspoken practicality and keen political acumen 1-8 were instrumental in ending Communist rule in that country; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Highlights of the trip to Texas included the 1-10 presentation of the Sam Houston Humanitarian Award to President 1-11 Walesa at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, as well as a 1-12 journey to New Waverly, known as the "Cradle of Polish Immigration" 1-13 for its many citizens of Polish descent; and 1-14 WHEREAS, In traveling to New Waverly, President Walesa 1-15 followed the path of the many Poles who emigrated to the area after 1-16 the Civil War, and he was greeted by descendants of his countrymen 1-17 with traditional Polish gifts and songs; affable and approachable, 1-18 the president greeted his many admirers warmly and ensured that 1-19 this historic event would also be forever treasured in the hearts 1-20 of all those present; and 1-21 WHEREAS, In his courageous and inspiring career as a labor 1-22 leader and statesman, President Walesa has championed the values of 1-23 compassion, fairness, and integrity, and even as Texans may take 1-24 special pride in the heritage we share with President Walesa and 2-1 his country, so we also join the rest of the world in saluting his 2-2 many remarkable accomplishments; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby commemorate Polish president Lech Walesa's visit 2-5 to Texas in October 1996 and extend congratulations to all those 2-6 involved in this historic event. Kubiak _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 850 was adopted by the House on May 23, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House