By Lewis of Orange                                     H.R. No. 707
         76R12470 BE-D                           
                                 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.