H.R. No. 2364
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas has long been a valued
  supporter of the celebration of Juneteenth in Galveston; and
         WHEREAS, An official state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth
  commemorates an important milestone in human rights in Texas, the
  first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston on June
  19, 1865, by Union general Gordon Granger, which effectively freed
  the 250,000 slaves in Texas at the end of the Civil War; and
         WHEREAS, Mayor Thomas served her fellow citizens as a member
  of the city council before being elected mayor in 2002; she has
  provided exceptional leadership throughout her terms, and was
  nationally recognized for her efforts during Hurricanes Rita and
  Ike; and
         WHEREAS, In addition to participating in Galveston
  Juneteenth Celebrations for five consecutive years, Mayor Thomas
  supported the installation of the state Juneteenth monument and has
  assisted with the Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet; and
         WHEREAS, Through her ongoing efforts and support, Mayor
  Thomas has helped to ensure a continued awareness of this landmark
  event, not only in Galveston but also across the state; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
  Legislature hereby commend Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas for her notable
  support of Juneteenth activities and extend to her sincere best
  wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mayor Thomas as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.
 
  Edwards
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 2364 was adopted by the House on May
  25, 2009, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House