SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 301

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the town of Valentine on the grand occasion of its 125th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The ranching community of Valentine is located 40 miles west of Fort Davis and about 20 miles from the Rio Grande at the western end of the Big Bend in Jeff Davis County; and

WHEREAS, The origin of such a romantic name for a West Texas town is a mystery, but two popular theories are offered as explanations; one theory claims that railroad crew members laying track in West Texas reached the town's site on Valentine's Day of 1882; the other theory maintains that the town was named for John Valentine, the president of Wells Fargo and a major Southern Pacific stockholder; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of Valentine are planning a festive celebration on February 17, 2007, in honor of the quasquicentennial of Valentine; the celebration will begin with a parade and a welcome ceremony and continue into the night with good food and music; in the afternoon, a special group wedding vow renewal ceremony is planned; and

WHEREAS, As befits the town's name, the citizens of Valentine feel great affection for their community and are understandably proud of their town and its unique name; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby congratulate the citizens of Valentine and wish them a joyous Valentine Quasquicentennial Celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of Valentine as a memento of this special day from the Texas Senate. Uresti

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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