R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to 1-2 welcome many proud residents from Balch Springs to the State 1-3 Capitol on February 6, 2001; and 1-4 WHEREAS, This outstanding community was first settled in 1877 1-5 by Texas patriot John Balch, who bricked up one of his three 1-6 freshwater springs to provide a constant source of fresh water for 1-7 local settlers; Mr. Balch fought bravely during Texas' War for 1-8 Independence, including fighting in the battle of San Jacinto, and 1-9 the town so named in his honor is the only city in Dallas County to 1-10 be named for a veteran of that historic struggle; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Officially incorporated on June 13, 1953, Balch 1-12 Springs is a picturesque community with ample opportunities for 1-13 outdoor recreation, boasting many exemplary public parks and 1-14 abundant wooded areas; the community also features exceptional 1-15 venues for horseback riding and rodeo events and is home to the 1-16 Mesquite Rodeo and the Balch Springs Saddle Club; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Balch Springs is a thriving community that boasts 1-18 approximately 20,000 residents; its many dedicated government and 1-19 business leaders along with the local chamber of commerce 1-20 diligently strive to ensure the city's continued growth and 1-21 prosperity, a fact clearly evidenced by the many new businesses and 1-22 industries that have been drawn to the area; and 1-23 WHEREAS, In addition, the four excellent schools located in 1-24 Balch Springs ensure that the town's youth are being superbly 2-1 prepared for their roles as the future leaders of their community 2-2 and the Lone Star State; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Balch Springs has long been a great place in which 2-4 to live, work, and raise a family, and it is indeed a privilege to 2-5 pay tribute to this fine community at this time; now, therefore, be 2-6 it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-8 Legislature hereby recognize February 6, 2001, as Balch Springs Day 2-9 at the State Capitol and extend to the city's visiting delegation 2-10 best wishes for an enjoyable observance. Tillery _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 198 was adopted by the House on February 6, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House