SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 281

WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is proud to welcome the fine citizens of San Antonio and to recognize February 20, 2007, as Viva San Antonio Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, San Antonio's history can be traced back to 1691 when a band of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon a river; because they arrived at the river on the Feast Day of Saint Anthony, they named the river San Antonio; and

WHEREAS, The city was actually founded in 1718 by Father Antonio Olivares; he established Mission San Antonio de Valero, which became permanently etched in the annals of history as the Alamo when 189 defenders held the historic mission against some 4,000 Mexican troops for 13 days in 1836; and

WHEREAS, "Remember the Alamo" became the rallying cry of the Texas Revolution, and today, the Alamo is a shrine and museum and is recognized as the Cradle of Texas Liberty; and

WHEREAS, The City of San Antonio was formally incorporated in 1837 when the young Republic of Texas granted San Antonio a charter; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, San Antonio has retained its flavor of history and tradition, carefully seasoned with cosmopolitan progress; the city is noted for being a crossroads of cultures and a meeting place where the rich sounds and flavors of Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West, African-Americans, and the Deep South mingle and merge; and

WHEREAS, The city has a proud military heritage; military greats like Generals Pershing, Stillwell, Krueger, LeMay, Chennault, and Eisenhower served at San Antonio-area military installations, including Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Brooks City-Base; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, San Antonio has enjoyed a thriving economy due to its skilled workforce, its excellent institutions of public and higher education, and its overall quality of life, which has attracted some of the largest and best corporate businesses and industries in our nation; and

WHEREAS, Nearly eight million visitors a year delight in the discovery of San Antonio's charms, such as the Alamo, La Villita, San Fernando Cathedral, the San Antonio Missions Trail, and the famed Paseo del Rio, better known as the Riverwalk; and

WHEREAS, A multitude of other attractions make San Antonio one of the top tourist destinations in the country, including Sea World San Antonio, the world's largest marine life park, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an entertainment theme park that celebrates the musical sounds of San Antonio and South Texas; and

WHEREAS, San Antonio is home to many of the state's sports treasures including the Professional Golf Association tour's Texas Open, the Alamo Bowl, and the World Champion San Antonio Spurs; and

WHEREAS, Starting on April 20, 2007, the city will once again celebrate Fiesta San Antonio, the biggest 10-day party in the State of Texas; Fiesta began over 100 years ago with a group of ladies riding in decorated horse-drawn carriages in front of the Alamo in a parade organized to honor the heroes from the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby proclaim February 20, 2007, Viva San Antonio Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to all for an enjoyable and memorable event; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of San Antonio as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Wentworth, Zaffirini, Uresti, Van de Putte

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 20, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate