SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 160

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of El Paso in celebrating February 9 and 10, 2009, as Mission Valley Days at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, The oldest section of El Paso, Mission Valley dates back to the 17th century, when it was settled by Spaniards and members of the Ysleta Pueblo tribe; several Spanish missions were built in the area during the 17th and 18th centuries; and

WHEREAS, The missions formed bases from which to Christianize the native populace and also attracted settlers and became the centers of farming and ranching communities; and

WHEREAS, Three of these historic missions remain and still operate as churches; originally built at Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario, each has suffered disaster and has had to be rebuilt, some more than once, but they continue to offer sanctuary and serenity to their parishioners today; and

WHEREAS, The Mission Valley area contains many other historic sites and is home to the Tigua Tribe of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo; the residents of this area are truly deserving of acknowledgement for their efforts to preserve its unique history and culture; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend a warm welcome to the citizens of Mission Valley as they visit Austin for Mission Valley Days at the State Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.

Uresti, Shapleigh

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 10, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate