By Morrison H.R. No. 833 76R14656 JHS-D 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.