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