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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 114th |
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Washington's Birthday Celebration, featuring more than a month of |
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fun-filled events that began on January 14, 2011; and |
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WHEREAS, This special tradition dates back to February 1898, |
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when the Laredo tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men, a patriotic |
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fraternal organization descended from the Sons of Liberty, staged a |
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spirited mock battle between the Red Men and the defenders of City |
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Hall; the contest, which represented the colonial struggle against |
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the British, ended with the Red Men victorious and the mayor's |
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presentation of the key to the City of Laredo to the "Great Chief |
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Sachem"; and |
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WHEREAS, Combining elements of Hispanic and Anglo cultures, |
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the Laredo celebration features parades, pageants, and concerts, as |
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well as a carnival, a family fun fest, and an air show, and is |
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expected to attract some 400,000 attendees; among its most notable |
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events are the Noche de Cabaret, Comedy Jam for George, Jalapeno |
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Festival, the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball, and the |
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International Bridge Ceremony; moreover, on February 19, at the |
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60th Annual Mr. South Texas Luncheon, Speaker Joe Straus is being |
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honored as Mr. South Texas 2011; and |
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WHEREAS, George Washington, who was born in Virginia on |
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February 22, 1732, 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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integrity, and leadership in the darkest days of early independence |
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from Great Britain, he remains one of the most influential and |
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respected United States presidents of all time; and |
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WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo can take great pride in their |
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city's celebration of our legendary Founding Father, and it is |
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appropriate to take this opportunity to recognize and commend all |
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who participate in the event; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 2011 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 as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of |
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Representatives. |