R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, Over the past half-century, the Ramirez family has

 1-2     remained a cornerstone of the Tyler community as the proprietors of

 1-3     the El Charro restaurants, and their contributions are indeed

 1-4     deserving of special legislative recognition; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Gilberto G. Ramirez came to Tyler in 1943 and used

 1-6     his hard-earned life's savings to open the original El Charro on

 1-7     East Erwin Street; while his devoted wife Arabelia Flores Ramirez

 1-8     tended to the couple's home and to the needs of their seven

 1-9     children, Mr. Ramirez continued to perfect his recipes for

1-10     traditional Mexican dishes, and soon diners were flocking to the

1-11     restaurant to enjoy both the delectable cuisine and the friendly,

1-12     attentive service; and

1-13           WHEREAS, The opening of the second El Charro restaurant on

1-14     East Fifth Street in 1962 marked the beginning of a true family

1-15     dynasty, as Mr. Ramirez's sons sacrificed typical childhood

1-16     pursuits to help convert a residential home into the family's

1-17     second restaurant; the Ramirez children, Gilbert, Tony, Gus, Rudy,

1-18     Ana, Rosa, and Martha, worked side by side with their father from

1-19     early childhood, and when he passed away in 1975, they continued

1-20     his proud and distinguished tradition; and

1-21           WHEREAS, It was only after Mr. Ramirez's death that his

1-22     family realized the full extent of his involvement in the Tyler

1-23     community, for he had modestly kept his generosity out of the

1-24     public eye; Mr. Ramirez had long expressed his belief that the

 2-1     United States was a land of unparalleled opportunity for those

 2-2     willing to work for their dreams, and whenever he encountered a

 2-3     deserving individual in need of a helping hand, he was quick to

 2-4     share his good fortune, advice, and encouragement with them; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, Tragically, a recent fire caused extensive damage to

 2-6     El Charro #2, but the family has pledged to rebuild the business

 2-7     and continue Mr. Ramirez's legacy; the restaurant's many faithful

 2-8     employees, some of whom have worked with the family for more than

 2-9     20 years, began the clean-up process as soon as the smoke cleared,

2-10     and with the added support of the entire Tyler community, the new

2-11     El Charro is expected to open for business in early fall; and

2-12           WHEREAS, Widely known as one of the oldest family-owned

2-13     businesses in East Texas, the El Charro restaurants have provided a

2-14     warm and inviting atmosphere for countless special occasions over

2-15     the years, and as members of the Ramirez family embark on this

2-16     challenging episode in their family's history, it is truly

2-17     appropriate that they be honored for the memorable service they

2-18     have provided to their hometown; now, therefore, be it

2-19           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-20     Legislature hereby honor members of the Ramirez family of Tyler for

2-21     their contributions to the community and to the Lone Star State and

2-22     extend to them best wishes for success in the rebuilding of their

2-23     restaurant; and, be it further

2-24           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-25     prepared for the Ramirez family as an expression of high regard by

2-26     the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                       Kamel

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 1145 was adopted by the House on May

         28, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House