By Tillery                                             H.R. No. 198
         77R5383 GMW-D                           
                                 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.