H.R. No. 264



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Members of the Winchester Cemetery Association are 
gathering on May 7th, 2006, at Winchester Cemetery in Fayette 
County to celebrate the longstanding tradition known as Decoration 
Day; and
	WHEREAS, Founded in 1871, the cemetery has been recognized 
with a Texas Historical Marker, and many Ingram Prairie pioneer 
families are buried there, along with Civil War veterans; the land 
for the cemetery was donated in 1871 by Colonel Nathan Thomas, a 
former member of the Texas Legislature and civic leader; and
	WHEREAS, Since the formation of the Winchester Cemetery 
Association in 1881, its members have met annually on the first 
Sunday in May; as part of this yearly ritual, members place flowers 
on every grave in the cemetery, including those of unknown 
decedents, in moving tribute to the past residents of the county; 
and
	WHEREAS, Though serious in nature, Decoration Day is far from 
a somber occasion, and the assembled families join together in 
fellowship over shared picnics in what is often called "the 
Prettiest Little Cemetery in Texas"; and
	WHEREAS, In paying homage to this historic site and to those 
interred there, the celebrants of Decoration Day aptly honor their 
rich heritage while fully embracing the beauty of a spring day in a 
peaceful setting, and this profound appreciation of the continuity 
of life deserves the admiration of every Texan; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 2006 
celebration of Decoration Day at Winchester Cemetery in Fayette 
County and extend to all participants sincere best wishes for a 
truly memorable event; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
presented to the Winchester Cemetery Association as an expression 
of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                Cook of Colorado
                                                                        Anderson

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 264 was adopted by the House on April 
27, 2006, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House