78R19600 KMP-D By: Escobar H.R. No. 1919R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Willacy County was formed in 1911 from Cameron and Hidalgo counties, though its history dates back to the days of the Coahuiltecan Indians; and WHEREAS, Since the early 1930s, farming has dominated the economy, which relies on the successful harvest of such crops as oranges and Bermuda onions; oranges were brought to the area by a ranchman named Cantú around 1886 from Montemorelos, Mexico, and Bermuda onions were brought to the area by Milt White in 1912; the crop became a major agricultural product of the area and was celebrated at an annual onion festival that bore the slogan "The Breath of a Nation"; and WHEREAS, In 1940, the abundance of crops gave rise to a migrant farm labor camp near Raymondville, and seasonal farm work became an important occupation for the humble families in the district and in nearby communities; and WHEREAS, Today the major towns of Willacy County include Lyford, Raymondville, Sebastian, San Perlita, and Port Mansfield; and WHEREAS, Willacy County is home to many dedicated elected officials, public employees, and community leaders, who over the years have carried out their public service with distinction that is too seldom acknowledged; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature hereby honor the elected officials, public employees, community leaders, and citizens of Willacy County for their many outstanding contributions to Texas and the United States of America.