SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 251

	WHEREAS, A delegation of proud Texans has traveled to 
Austin to celebrate Texas Panhandle Day at the State Capitol
on March 1, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Rich in history, this spectacular region of
vast scenic plains is known for its traditional ranch lands, 
high–plains agriculture, large stretches of oil and gas 
reserves, major industry, and a nationally recognized
workforce with an ethic that is beyond reproach; and
	WHEREAS, Citizens of the Panhandle have also
demonstrated notable patriotism, and the brave sacrifices in 
combat of Marine Lance Corporal Aaron C. Austin of Sunray,
Air Force Captain Eric B. Das of Amarillo, Marine Lance Corporal 
Seth Huston of Perryton, Army Specialist Taylor J. Burk of 
Amarillo, and Marine Captain Paul C. Alaniz of Dumas have served 
to make the Panhandle, the great State of Texas, the
United States, and the world safer for democracy; and
	WHEREAS, Amarillo has particularly been affected by the 
loss of several community leaders, namely, Jim Henson, the 
Reverend Jesse Cortez, and the Reverend Michael DeVaughn, each
of whom leaves behind an indelible mark on the community that 
ensures their contributions will not be forgotten; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to exemplary citizens and leaders, 
the Texas Panhandle also is home to excellent educational 
institutions whose successes ensure that the area will continue 
to prosper; West Texas A&M University is one of the premiere 
universities in West Texas and boasts ever-increasing 
enrollments, nationally recognized programs and faculty, and 
outstanding graduates; Amarillo College, which continues
to be one of the finest community colleges in the country, and 
Texas Tech Medical School, Texas Tech Health Science Center, 
Texas Tech Pharmacy School, Frank Phillips College, and 
Clarendon College are all outstanding educational institutions 
in the Texas Panhandle; and
	WHEREAS, The Baptist-Saint Anthony's Hospital Complex has 
been ranked as one of the top 150 hospitals in the nation with its 
world-class facilities and faculty; and
	WHEREAS, Outstanding attractions in the area include the 
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, located on the campus of 
West Texas A&M University in Canyon; the largest history museum 
in the state, it will be the only museum in the western
United States to host the highly sought after "Capturing Western 
Legends" art exhibit, a collection of the works of
Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington; and
	WHEREAS, Stretching through the heart of the Panhandle is 
Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the country, which 
boasts spectacular views and reveals, through its exposed 
strata, a geologic record spanning 250 million years; during the 
summer, visitors to Palo Duro Canyon can also enjoy the nation's 
most attended outdoor drama, "Texas Legacies," which captures 
some of the state's epic heritage; and
	WHEREAS, Amarillo, the region's principal city, is a 
dynamic urban center that affords a wide array of cultural 
amenities; contributing to Amarillo's economic vitality are a


Bell Helicopter tilt-rotor assembly center, where the V-22 
Osprey and the US101 presidential helicopters are assembled, as 
well as the only assembly/disassembly plant for the nation's 
nuclear weapons arsenal, a facility operated by BWXT Pantex for 
the United States Department of Energy's National Nuclear 
Security Administration; and
	WHEREAS, Amarillo continues to boast a world-class 
symphony orchestra, ballet, and opera, which will soon be 
performing at the new Amarillo Globe News Southwest Center for 
the Performing Arts, a venue that will be second to none in 
amenities and class; and
	WHEREAS, More than 400,000 strong, Panhandle residents 
prize the myriad opportunities made possible by their modern 
cities and industry while continuing to cherish their region's 
enduring and majestic natural beauty; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby recognize March 1, 2005, as
Texas Panhandle Day at the State Capitol and extend to all 
involved warmest best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable 
visit.

Seliger, Duncan                                                               




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 1, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate