R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The year 1999 is truly a significant date in the
 1-2     proud history of Goliad and its citizens, for it marks the town's
 1-3     250th anniversary, and this important occasion will be celebrated
 1-4     throughout the year with a series of unique events; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Goliad's place in the annals of history has been
 1-6     secured by several noteworthy distinctions; the State of Texas
 1-7     Official Celebration Site for Cinco de Mayo since 1992, the city
 1-8     was selected for this honor as it is the birthplace of  General
 1-9     Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza, and Goliad is also renowned as the
1-10     community in which Texas ranching began; and
1-11           WHEREAS, A community of 2,000 residents today, Goliad was
1-12     established in 1749 as the site of Presidio La Bahia and Mission
1-13     Espiritu Santo and is one of three original Spanish settlements in
1-14     Texas; that same year, the mission founded the first large cattle
1-15     ranch in the area, and thus began the illustrious ranching heritage
1-16     that continues to this day; and
1-17           WHEREAS, More than a century later, General Zaragoza made
1-18     history during Mexico's defeat of French military forces at Puebla,
1-19     Mexico, on May 5, 1862, a date that has deservedly earned a place
1-20     in the lore of both Mexico and Texas; the general's heroic
1-21     leadership in this and other important battles played a pivotal
1-22     role in the history of North America, while cementing his
1-23     reputation as Goliad's favorite son; and
1-24           WHEREAS, This year's Cinco de Mayo celebration features an
 2-1     outdoor sculpture exhibit titled, "Goliad: A Cultural Convergence,"
 2-2     which pays tribute to the array of cultural influences that have
 2-3     contributed to Goliad's uniqueness; other events, including "Texas
 2-4     Ranching--Today" and "Goliad--A Celebration of 250 Years of Texas
 2-5     Ranching," will recognize the town's role in the development of the
 2-6     state's cattle industry; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, The city's 1999 Cinco de Mayo festivities will
 2-8     undoubtedly prove to be memorable, adding yet another achievement
 2-9     to the legacy of Goliad, and it is truly a pleasure to recognize
2-10     this annual event and to honor the city and citizens of Goliad as
2-11     they celebrate the 250th anniversary of this historic town; now,
2-12     therefore, be it
2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-14     Legislature hereby recognize the city of Goliad's Cinco de Mayo
2-15     festivities and extend best wishes to all those associated with
2-16     this annual event; and, be it further
2-17           RESOLVED, That the citizens of Goliad be congratulated on
2-18     their town's 250th anniversary and that they be commended for their
2-19     enthusiastic participation in the celebration of this momentous
2-20     occasion.
                                                                    Morrison
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 833 was adopted by the House on May
         4, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House