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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The city of Carthage has played a significant role |
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in the history of country music, and its citizens have worked |
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tirelessly to preserve this strong heritage; and |
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WHEREAS, Many country music legends were raised in Carthage, |
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including Tex Ritter, the first country singer to have three hits on |
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the Billboard Top Ten at the same time and the star of more than 70 |
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Western movies, internationally known country music performer Jim |
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Reeves, songwriter Glenn Sutton, and Linda Davis, who tours with |
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Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1993, the self-proclaimed Country Music Capital |
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of Texas opened the Tex Ritter Museum on the top floor of a building |
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that houses the chamber of commerce, and fans from across the globe |
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traveled to see the 3,000-square-foot memorial to a music legend; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Several years later, residents and organizers |
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decided to expand the museum and opened the Texas Country Music Hall |
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of Fame to honor the many legends with connections to Tex Ritter and |
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the Lone Star State; in 2002, the city celebrated the grand opening |
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of a $2.5 million facility to house the museum's tributes to artists |
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such as Gene Autry, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris |
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Kristofferson; and |
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WHEREAS, Each year, in late summer, the city hosts a weekend |
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of country music entertainment, including a hall of fame induction |
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ceremony, showcase performance, and Tex Ritter Roundup, and the |
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occasion has become a highly anticipated event for residents and |
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tourists alike; and |
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WHEREAS, Preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of the |
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State of Texas depends on the dedication of its citizens, and the |
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people of Carthage set an exceptional standard with their |
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commitment to showcasing the many achievements of our homegrown |
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country music legends; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor the city of Carthage for its contributions |
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to country music and extend to all its residents sincere best wishes |
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for continued success in preserving their rich heritage. |