79S32066 MW-D

By:  Smith of Harris                                              H.R. No. 785



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, A 40th anniversary is truly an occasion for 
celebration, and on June 20, 2006, Austinites Don and Renate Van 
Stone are observing this significant milestone in their marriage; 
and
	WHEREAS, Fate brought the couple together in 1964, at an 
American Express branch office in Munich, Germany, the city where 
U.S. Army Lieutenant Van Stone was stationed; the young American 
officer had gone to the office to discuss a loan, but upon meeting 
the charming young German bank teller, he asked her out, thus 
beginning a yearlong courtship and a lifetime of happiness; and
	WHEREAS, Although Mrs. Van Stone shyly claims she never 
officially said yes to her young man's proposal of matrimony, the 
two exchanged vows on June 20, 1966, in a civil ceremony, followed 
by a church wedding on June 25; through the years, the couple have 
sustained a fulfilling relationship that has brought them much 
delight and has grown in love with each passing year; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Van Stone have lived around the world, 
enthusiastically meeting new people and embracing new cultures in 
Africa, Singapore, Belgium, and Australia, until nine years ago 
when they settled down and began to call Austin home; and
	WHEREAS, The Van Stones have experienced life's trials and 
triumphs for four decades; they have filled each other's lives with 
many happy times and cherished memories and it is indeed a pleasure 
to honor them; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate Don and Renate 
Van Stone of Austin on their 40th wedding anniversary, and in their 
honor, recognize June 20, 2006, as Don and Renate Van Stone Day; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Van Stone as an expression of high regard 
by the Texas House of Representatives.