HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Nine Flags Festival held annually in Nacogdoches 1-2 is an exciting and one-of-a-kind event that serves to promote 1-3 public awareness about the rich heritage of Nacogdoches County; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Nine Flags Festival Board, Inc., 1-5 this noteworthy occasion is held the first two weekends in December 1-6 at the Plaza Principal Square in downtown Nacogdoches; attendees 1-7 are treated to exhibits, home tours, music, theater, arts and 1-8 crafts, storytelling, children's activities, a lighted Christmas 1-9 parade, and much more; and 1-10 WHEREAS, The flags flying over the festival are reproductions 1-11 of the nine different flags that have flown over Nacogdoches since 1-12 the 18th century; these represent various time periods, countries, 1-13 and individuals, including: France, early 1700s; Spain, 1770 to 1-14 1821; Magee-Gutierrez, 1812; Dr. James Long, 1819; Mexico, 1821 to 1-15 1826; Fredonia Rebellion, 1826; Texas Republic, 1836 to 1845; 1-16 Confederate States, 1861 to 1865; and the United States, 1845 to 1-17 present; and 1-18 WHEREAS, During the festival's inaugural year the Spanish 1-19 flag was honored, and that occasion included a visit from the 1-20 ambassador of Spain and the erection of a bronze statue of Antonio 1-21 Gil Y'Barbo, the Father of Nacogdoches; another statue that was 1-22 erected was one of Thomas J. Rusk, who was one of the signers of 1-23 the Texas Declaration of Independence; this year's event in 1-24 December 2001 will see the French flag honored; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The Nine Flags Festival Board has made numerous 2-2 contributions to the Downtown Business Association and to Historic 2-3 Nacogdoches Inc. for historic preservation, Millards Crossing 2-4 Historic Village, and the World War II Memorial in Washington, 2-5 D.C.; moreover, it has brought to fruition a permanent exhibit on 2-6 the Caddo Indians that is located in the Historic Town Center; and 2-7 WHEREAS, The Nine Flags Festival has educated countless 2-8 Nacogdoches County residents and tourists about the historic flags 2-9 that flew over the region and of the noteworthy eras, individuals, 2-10 and countries they represent, and this unique event is most 2-11 deserving of legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-13 hereby commend all those associated with the Nine Flags Festival 2-14 for their substantial efforts to commemorate the history of 2-15 Nacogdoches County and extend to them sincere best wishes for an 2-16 exciting event. Christian _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 239 was adopted by the House on April 25, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 239 was adopted by the Senate on May 17, 2001, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________________ Date __________________________ Governor