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79S30763 JH-D
By: Gonzalez Toureilles 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.