R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The preservation of the history of Texas must remain 1-2 a priority if the long and noble story of this state is to be 1-3 meaningful for future generations; and 1-4 WHEREAS, One fine effort to that end is the work being done 1-5 in behalf of the Tanner Cemetery, just east of Burkeville in Newton 1-6 County; for many years, area residents and the descendants of those 1-7 buried there have committed themselves to the care and preservation 1-8 of this hallowed and historic place; and 1-9 WHEREAS, The cemetery dates back to September 29, 1862, when 1-10 Thomas Tanner was buried on a hill overlooking his homestead; a 1-11 fieldstone etched with "Thomas Tanner" still stands in the center 1-12 of the hilltop resting place that now bears his family's name; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Tanner was a veteran of the Republic of Texas 1-14 Army; in addition, two Civil War veterans, eight heroes of World 1-15 War I, and 14 soldiers from World War II now rest beneath the 1-16 ancient oaks of Tanner Cemetery, as well as a number of ministers 1-17 and local officials who have served the area, mothers, fathers, and 1-18 other loved ones; and 1-19 WHEREAS, There are more than 50 family names on the stones of 1-20 this quiet and well-kept place, families whose descendants once met 1-21 twice each year for general upkeep and repairs of the cemetery and 1-22 to reconnect with their past, but age and a faster pace of life 1-23 mandated change; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The Tanner Cemetery Association was formed to 2-1 coordinate resources and to guarantee care and maintenance for the 2-2 burial grounds in the future; since 1983, Mr. and Mrs. Doy Diggs 2-3 have taken responsibility for the day-to-day care, but this 2-4 remarkable group still meets once a year, on the first Saturday in 2-5 May, for the same solemn but joyful purpose of remembrance; and 2-6 WHEREAS, This year's meeting, on May 1, 1999, holds even more 2-7 significance, as the Tanner Cemetery Association in conjunction 2-8 with the Newton County Historical Commission will dedicate a 2-9 historical marker for the grounds, commemorating the cemetery's 2-10 historic stature; and 2-11 WHEREAS, For more than 100 years, Tanner Cemetery has stood 2-12 as a unique symbol of remembrance and reflection, due in no small 2-13 part to the worthy efforts of the Tanner Cemetery Association, and 2-14 it is indeed a pleasure to honor this Texas cemetery and to commend 2-15 the group responsible for its care at this time; now, therefore, be 2-16 it 2-17 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-18 Legislature hereby commend the Tanner Cemetery Association on the 2-19 occasion of the dedication of a historical marker from the Newton 2-20 County Historical Commission and extend to all those associated 2-21 with this special place warmest best wishes for a memorable and 2-22 meaningful celebration; and, be it further 2-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-24 prepared for the Tanner Cemetery Association as a commemoration of 2-25 this important event and as an expression of high regard by the 2-26 Texas House of Representatives. Lewis of Orange _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 707 was adopted by the House on April 26, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House