79R8450 BJM-F

By:  Keel                                                         H.R. No. 578



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to 
recognize Celebrate Texas for its many contributions to our state 
and its sponsorship of this year's Texas Independence Day 
festivities; and
	WHEREAS, Celebrate Texas was created six years ago by the 
late Jay L. Johnson, Jr., a longtime Austin civic and business 
leader; Jay's great love and vision for celebrating Texas 
Independence Day continues today through the work of Celebrate 
Texas and Jay's widow, Marsha Johnson; and
	WHEREAS, Jay created the slogan "Together We're Texas" for 
Texas Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing that the holiday 
belongs to all Texans and that the celebrations should reflect the 
many cultures that make up the history of our great state; and
	WHEREAS, Events hosted by Celebrate Texas this year include 
the State Cemetery Memorial Service, the Capitol Celebration, the 
Texas Independence Day Parade, the annual 5K Run, the annual State 
Champion Bar-B-Q Cook-off, and the Jay L. Johnson Memorial Golf 
Tournament; and
	WHEREAS, Participants in the Celebrate Texas Capitol 
Celebration are The Happy Czech Singers from La Grange, the Buffalo 
Soldiers of the Ninth Cavalry at Camp Mabry, Miss Ashli Parish of 
the Holy Cross Catholic Church Youth Choir, the Lone Star Kids and 
K. R. Wood and the Fathers of Texas Band from Electra, Texas, Roy 
Lozano's Ballet Folklorico Group, and the Texas School for the Deaf 
Signing Choir; and
	WHEREAS, Celebrate Texas deserves recognition for bringing 
Texans together in celebration of Texas Independence Day and for 
promoting patriotism and pride in our state; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend the members of Celebrate Texas on their 
hard work and superior planning and express appreciation to them 
for organizing these Texas Independence Day activities; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Celebrate Texas as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.