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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The City of Laredo is celebrating the life of one of |
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this nation's most revered leaders when it hosts the 112th |
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Washington's Birthday Celebration from January 22 to February 22, |
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2009; and |
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WHEREAS, Born in Virginia on February 22, 1732, President |
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George Washington left an indelible legacy as this nation's first |
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commander in chief and president; admired for his courage, vision, |
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and integrity, he remains one of the most influential and respected |
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United States presidents of all time; and |
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WHEREAS, The special Laredo celebration of Washington's |
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birthday dates back to February 22, 1898, when the tribe of the |
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Improved Order of Red Men, a patriotic fraternal organization |
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descended from the Sons of Liberty, and the defenders of City Hall |
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staged a spirited mock battle, representing the colonial struggle |
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against the British; when the Red Men emerged victorious and the |
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mayor presented the key to the City of Laredo to the "Great Chief |
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Sachem," "Sachem" being a code name used by George Washington |
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during the American Revolution, a tradition was born; and |
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WHEREAS, This monthlong extravaganza combines elements of |
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both Hispanic and Anglo cultures and features parades, concerts, a |
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carnival, fireworks, and an air show, as well as such notable events |
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as the Colonial Pageant and the International Bridge Ceremony; the |
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largest festival of its kind in the United States, Laredo's tribute |
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to George Washington attracts approximately 400,000 participants |
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each year; and |
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WHEREAS, Overseeing this extensive program is the |
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Washington's Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., |
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which was established in 1923; through its support of this popular |
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yearly attraction, the association strives to foster a greater |
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understanding between the people of the Americas, to promote Laredo |
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as one of the state's most patriotic and culturally vibrant cities, |
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and to encourage a greater sense of civic and national pride within |
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the community and region; and |
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WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo have done much to advance |
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these worthy goals through their city's celebration of this |
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legendary founding father, and it is appropriate to take this |
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opportunity to recognize and commend all who make such an |
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outstanding event possible; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 2009 Washington's Birthday |
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Celebration in Laredo and extend to its organizers and participants |
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sincere best wishes for another successful and memorable |
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observance; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the members of the Washington's Birthday Celebration |
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Association of Laredo, Inc., as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |