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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The observance of Tejano Day at the State Capitol on |
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April 6, 2023, provides a fitting opportunity to recognize the |
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wide-ranging contributions Tejanos have made to the history and |
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heritage of Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, Tejanos are descendants of the first Spanish, |
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Mexican, and indigenous families on the Texas frontier; they were |
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the founders of the Lone Star State's oldest permanent settlements, |
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including the cities of San Antonio, Nacogdoches, Victoria, Goliad, |
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and El Paso, and they were the first to name many of the state's |
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waterways and natural features; they also played a vital role in |
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negotiating peace with the Comanches and other indigenous peoples; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Having already lived in the region for generations, |
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Tejanos were the first residents to declare for an independent |
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Texas; they risked their lives and livelihood before and during the |
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Texas Revolution, making great sacrifices in the Battle of Medina, |
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the deadliest conflict in Texas history, and helping to secure the |
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decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto; more recently, |
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Tejanos have continued this tradition of distinguished military |
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service, fighting for their country in World War I, World War II, |
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the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and |
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WHEREAS, Since long before the existence of the State of |
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Texas, Tejano men and women have helped shape the region's culture; |
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they were the first to introduce such iconic elements of Texas |
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heritage as rodeos, expert horsemanship, and longhorn ranching, and |
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they developed Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of flavors from both sides |
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of the U.S.-Mexico border that has become inextricably linked with |
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the state; moreover, they combined Mexican vocal styles with |
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rhythms influenced by Texas' Czech and German populations to create |
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Tejano music; this unique genre was popularized by a number of |
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talented artists and groups, including Selena, Flaco Jiménez, and |
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Ramón Ayala; and |
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WHEREAS, For more than three centuries, Tejanos have been |
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essential to the vibrancy and prosperity of the Lone Star State, and |
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they may indeed take great pride in their instrumental role in the |
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story of Texas; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize April 6, 2023, as Tejano Day at the |
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State Capitol. |