HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, March 25, 2001, marks the 180th anniversary of the
 1-2     start of the revolution that freed the Greek people from Ottoman
 1-3     rule; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, In designing a democratic government for the United
 1-5     States, the founding fathers drew on the political experience and
 1-6     philosophy of ancient Greeks, who vested the supreme power in the
 1-7     people; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Greeks played a role in the Texas Revolution;
 1-9     Colonel Francisco Garay, a Greek serving in the Mexican army, is
1-10     credited with saving the lives of Texan soldiers during the
1-11     massacre at Goliad; after Texas won its independence from Mexico in
1-12     1836, it based its government during the period of the republic on
1-13     Greek democratic principles; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Greek influence on and contributions to the history,
1-15     culture, and economy of Texas have grown steadily since the period
1-16     from 1890 to 1910, when most Greeks immigrated to the United
1-17     States; today the number in Texas of Greek Americans or those who
1-18     are of Greek descent has grown to more than 30,000; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Texas Greeks remain proud of their religious and
1-20     cultural heritage and of the legacy of the ancient Greek
1-21     civilization; the governor of the State of Texas first recognized
1-22     March 25 as Greek Independence Day in 1943, and the event remains
1-23     important in many Texas communities, where those of Greek ancestry
1-24     mark the day in homes, churches, and community centers with feasts,
 2-1     costumed dances, and religious services; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, It is fitting that all Texans should join Greek
 2-3     Americans in celebrating this historic date and in reaffirming the
 2-4     democratic vision that gave birth to our two great nations; now,
 2-5     therefore, be it
 2-6           RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
 2-7     hereby recognize March 25, 2001, as Greek Independence Day and that
 2-8     it honor the important role the Greek people have played in the
 2-9     annals of the Lone Star State.
                                                                      Bonnen
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.C.R. No. 224 was adopted by the House on
         March 26, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House
               I certify that H.C.R. No. 224 was adopted by the Senate on
         March 26, 2001, by a viva-voce vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
         APPROVED:  __________________________
                              Date
                    __________________________
                            Governor