79R4141 BJM-D

By:  Chavez                                                       H.R. No. 201



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Citizens from across Texas are gathering at the 
State Capitol on February 8, 2005, to celebrate this year's Senior 
Day, themed "Seniors--The Heart of Texas"; and
	WHEREAS, Today, there are approximately three million 
residents of the Lone Star State who are 60 years of age or older, 
and it is projected that, in 15 years, that number will have 
increased to more than five million; and
	WHEREAS, Reflecting the state's cultural, spiritual, and 
ethnic diversity, these valued citizens have long devoted their 
lives to making the Lone Star State a better place in which to live, 
work, and raise families, making immeasurable contributions in such 
important areas as education, industry, agriculture, space 
exploration, information technology, literature, music, the fine 
arts, and sports; and
	WHEREAS, Countless elderly Texans relish their role as 
grandparents, role models, and mentors, imparting their unique 
wisdom and instilling many of the same values and principles in 
younger generations that they learned from their parents and 
grandparents; and
	WHEREAS, Senior Texans have witnessed firsthand some of the 
most significant moments of the 20th century; not only did they 
weather the strenuous economic conditions of the Great Depression, 
but during World War II, many members of the greatest generation 
willingly laid down their lives to protect the ideals on which this 
country was founded; whether they were soldiers on the front lines 
or women working in factories back home, their sacrifices have 
enabled democracy to flourish here and abroad; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout our history, Texas has reaped the 
benefits of the experience, vision, and leadership of our senior 
citizens, and it is most fitting to honor them for their innumerable 
contributions; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 8, 2005, as Senior Day at the 
State Capitol and encourage all citizens to join in paying tribute 
to these remarkable Texans.