79R3101 JNC-D

By:  Raymond                                                      H.R. No. 69 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The city of Laredo is celebrating the life of one of 
this nation's most revered leaders when it hosts the 108th 
Washington's Birthday Celebration from January 29 to February 20, 
2005; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Virginia on February 22, 1732, President 
George Washington left an indelible legacy as this nation's first 
commander in chief and president; admired for his courage, vision, 
and integrity, he remains one of the most influential and respected 
United States presidents of all time; and
	WHEREAS, The special Laredo celebration of Washington's 
birthday dates back to February 22, 1898, when the tribe of the 
Improved Order of Red Men, a patriotic fraternal organization 
descended from the Sons of Liberty, and the defenders of City Hall 
staged a spirited mock battle, representing the colonial struggle 
against the British; when the Red Men emerged victorious and the 
mayor presented the key to the City of Laredo to the "Great Chief 
Sachem," "Sachem" being a code name used by George Washington 
during the American Revolution, a tradition was born; and
	WHEREAS, This 17-day, 32-event extravaganza combines 
elements of both Hispanic and Anglo cultures and features parades, 
pageants, and concerts, as well as a carnival, a children's fun 
fest, fireworks, and an abundance of good food; the largest of its 
kind in the United States, this annual celebration continues to 
grow, attracting thousands of visitors each year; and
	WHEREAS, Established in 1923, the Washington's Birthday 
Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., oversees the festivity, 
which, among its many notable events, includes the Colonial Pageant 
and the International Bridge Ceremony; and
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo can take great pride in their 
city's celebration of our legendary founding father, and it is 
appropriate to take this opportunity to recognize and commend all 
who participate in the event; now, therefore, be it 
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commemorate the 2005 Washington's Birthday 
Celebration in Laredo and extend to its organizers and participants 
sincere best wishes for another successful and memorable 
observance; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of the Washington's Birthday Celebration 
Association of Laredo, Inc., as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.