78R3490 MW-D

By:  Raymond                                                      H.R. No. 42 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The city of Laredo will celebrate the life of one of 
this nation's most revered leaders when it hosts the 106th 
Washington's Birthday Celebration on February 8-23, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, This special tradition dates back to February 22, 
1898, when the Laredo tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men, a 
patriotic fraternal organization descended from the Sons of 
Liberty, staged a spirited mock battle between the Red Men and the 
defenders of City Hall; the contest, which represented the colonial 
struggle against the British, ended with the Red Men victorious and 
the mayor's presenting the key to the City of Laredo to the "Great 
Chief Sachem," "Sachem" being a code name used by George Washington 
during the American Revolution; thus a celebration was born; and
	WHEREAS, This 16-day, 37-event extravaganza combines 
elements of Hispanic and Anglo cultures and consists of parades, 
pageants, and concerts, as well as a carnival, a children's fun 
fest, and an abundance of good food; among its most notable events 
are the Jalapeno Festival, the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and 
Ball, and the Abrazo ceremony at the International Bridge; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Virginia on February 22, 1732, President 
Washington left an indelible legacy as this nation's first 
commander in chief and president; admired for his courage, vision, 
and integrity, he remains one of the most influential and respected 
United States presidents of all time; and
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo can take great pride in their 
city's celebration of our legendary Founding Father, and it is 
appropriate to take this opportunity to recognize and commend all 
who participate in the event; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commemorate the 2003 Washington's Birthday 
Celebration in Laredo and extend to its organizers and participants 
sincere best wishes for another successful and memorable 
observance; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of the Washington's Birthday Celebration 
Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of 
Representatives.