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