R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, On February 23, 1999, proud residents from the
 1-2     geographical center of Anderson County will cluster at the State
 1-3     Capitol in joyous celebration of Palestine Day; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Named for Palestine, Illinois, the former home of
 1-5     noted statesman and pastor Daniel Parker, the community was settled
 1-6     in the early 1830s by a delegation of Reverend Parker's followers,
 1-7     who created one of Texas' earliest Baptist congregations; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Palestine was named the county seat in 1846, and
 1-9     construction began on its first courthouse the following year;  the
1-10     arrival of the International-Great Northern Railroad in 1872 helped
1-11     position the community as a major marketing and distribution hub
1-12     in East Texas' thriving agricultural district, and today it is home
1-13     to many prosperous industries that contribute to the state's
1-14     economy; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Palestine is also the site of the National
1-16     Scientific Balloon Flight Facility, a NASA-operated research center
1-17     that conducts important studies of Earth's atmosphere as well as
1-18     outer space; the base offers tours of the operation to the general
1-19     public, providing a unique experience for science enthusiasts of
1-20     all ages; and
1-21           WHEREAS, The community attracts many visitors who come to
1-22     enjoy its plentiful  natural and cultural resources; splendid area
1-23     lakes entice  water sports enthusiasts with a variety of
1-24     activities, while the 11,000-acre Engeling Wildlife Management Area
 2-1     and the Palestine Community Forest provide abundant recreational
 2-2     opportunities as well; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, The town's picturesque Davey Dogwood Park
 2-4     encompasses over 200 acres of striking scenery and is a featured
 2-5     attraction of the annual Texas Dogwood Trails event; in addition,
 2-6     the community's Museum for East Texas Culture, its many historic
 2-7     sites, and the Texas State Railroad Historical Park impart a sense
 2-8     of the town's rich heritage; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, Blessed with vibrant culture and deep traditions,
2-10     Palestine is a prosperous, forward-looking community and a leading
2-11     participant in the state's dynamic growth, and it gives the Texas
2-12     House of Representatives great pleasure to join with our fellow
2-13     citizens in commending this fine Texas community; now, therefore,
2-14     be it
2-15           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-16     Legislature hereby designate February 23, 1999, as Palestine Day at
2-17     the Capitol and extend best wishes to all of that community's
2-18     residents on this noteworthy occasion; and, be it further
2-19           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-20     prepared for prominent display in Palestine as an expression of
2-21     high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
                                                                     Staples
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 243 was adopted by the House on
         February 23, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House