1-1 ****** NEED TWO-PAGE HEADER ****** 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1220 1-3 WHEREAS, The Senate of State of Texas is proud to recognize 1-4 the vital role that Hispanics played in helping to defeat British 1-5 forces in the United States War for Independence; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Spanish Louisiana governors provided arms, war 1-7 material, and funds to the revolutionary governments of Maryland, 1-8 Pennsylvania, and Virginia; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Additionally, thousands of Hispanics took up arms 1-10 against the British and their allies, playing an important role 1-11 in many pivotal revolutionary battles; and 1-12 WHEREAS, In particular the victories of General Don Bernardo 1-13 de Galvez were crucial; his efforts helped dismantle pro-British 1-14 forces around the lower Mississippi and Baton Rouge areas and 1-15 contributed greatly to the ultimate triumph over British forces 1-16 at Yorktown, Virginia; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Hispanic involvement in the United States War for 1-18 Independence was extensive; nevertheless, very little mention 1-19 of these contributions is made in current history textbooks; and 1-20 WHEREAS, The colonists' quest for independence was achieved 1-21 with the assistance of foreign governments, soldiers, and 1-22 individuals, and it is fitting that our nation take heed of 2-1 these significant efforts; now, therefore, be it 2-2 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-3 77th Legislature, hereby acknowledge the role of Spain and 2-4 Spanish America in the triumph of colonial forces in the 2-5 United States War for Independence and encourage all citizens 2-6 to take a greater interest in the contributions that Hispanic 2-7 Americans have made to United States history; and, be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared to 2-9 express the respect the Texas Senate holds for those Spanish 2-10 Americans who risked their lives for the independence of this 2-11 great nation; and, be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-13 the Society of Martha Washington for its successful efforts 2-14 in bringing more widespread recognition to this fascinating 2-15 period of American history. 2-16 Zaffirini 2-17 ______________________________________ 2-18 President of the Senate 2-19 I hereby certify that the above 2-20 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-21 on May 26, 2001. 2-22 ______________________________________ 2-23 Secretary of the Senate 2-24 ______________________________________ 2-25 Member, Texas Senate