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                                                                  H.R. No. 325



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On Saturday, January 21, 2006, the community of 
Three Rivers paid tribute to one of its illustrious citizens by 
dedicating a park in the name of Aristeo Ponce; and
	WHEREAS, This homage to Mr. Ponce is indeed fitting as it 
provides a permanent monument to this respected leader in the heart 
of the Barrio neighborhood that he loved so well; it was there that 
he established a grocery and a dance hall, both of which became 
important institutions for the Hispanic community of Three Rivers 
beginning in the mid-1900s; and
	WHEREAS, Born in 1896 in Monterrey, Mexico, Mr. Ponce grew up 
in an era when towns were tightly knit and neighbors took care of 
one another, and he sought to live up to those ideals for the rest of 
his life; a businessperson who put compassion ahead of profit, his 
generous credit terms helped families to survive in times of need, 
while the alcohol-free A. Ponce Dance Hall gave both adults and 
children a wholesome place to enjoy music and to enjoy themselves; 
and
	WHEREAS, A proud American who saw seven of his 11 children 
serve in the United States military, Mr. Ponce also upheld his 
Mexican heritage and urged his neighbors to do the same; this was 
especially true during the holidays of Cinco de Mayo and Diez y Seis 
de Septiembre, when Mr. Ponce sponsored well-loved community 
celebrations where the history, customs, and language of Mexico 
were honored and where the flags of the United States, Texas, and 
Mexico stood side by side; and
	WHEREAS, The influence of this civic leader did not end on his 
passing in 1973 but has continued to be felt in the decades since, 
inspiring the residents of Three Rivers to reach out to one another 
in hopes of creating a safe and enjoyable  place to live; and
	WHEREAS, In a time when strong communities and families are 
more important than ever, the dedication of Aristeo Ponce Park, a 
place where neighbors can come together, serves as a hopeful sign 
that the worthy ideals promoted by Mr. Ponce are alive and well in 
his South Texas hometown; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor the memory of Aristeo 
Ponce and commemorate the dedication of the park named in his honor; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 
for the city and for Mr. Ponce's family as an expression of high 
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                             Gonzalez Toureilles

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 325 was adopted by the House on May 
10, 2006, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House