By: Parker S.C.R. No. 8
 
  (Capriglione)
 
   
 
 
 
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
  WHEREAS, The Lone Star State has benefited enormously from
  the contributions of its Italian American residents; and
         WHEREAS, During the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, the
  few Italians who came to Texas were mainly explorers, adventurers,
  or missionaries; Italians began to play a larger role toward the end
  of the 19th century, when Piedmontese made their homes in Montague
  County and Sicilians settled in the lower Brazos valley and on the
  Galveston County mainland; Modenese, Venetians, and Piedmontese
  worked the coal mines at Thurber, and Italian financier Joseph
  Telfener brought some 1,200 Lombards to help construct the New
  York, Texas and Mexican Railway between Victoria and Rosenberg; and
         WHEREAS, Most of the railway builders and coal miners moved
  back to Italy or on to other places when their work was completed;
  however, the Italian American community in the Brazos valley fanned
  out into surrounding areas, and settlements in Houston, Galveston,
  and San Antonio expanded rapidly; new residents founded churches,
  newspapers, and benevolent-fraternal organizations, as well as
  businesses; prominent Italian Americans of the 20th century include
  bootmaker Sam Lucchese, sculptor Pompeo Coppini, rancher Antonio
  Mateo Bruni, and agriculturalist-developer Biagio Varisco; the
  towns of Bruni and Varisco and such names as Bruni Park, Varisco
  Airport, Liggio Street, and Laneri Avenue are a testament to the
  achievements of Italian Americans; and
         WHEREAS, Through the years, individuals of Italian descent
  have excelled in all sectors of our society and economy, enriching
  our cultural tapestry, enhancing our prosperity, and securing the
  Lone Star State's reputation as a land of promise and possibility;
  most recently, Italian Americans have made prominent contributions
  throughout the state in such areas as aerospace, energy,
  technology, science, research, and arts and culture, in addition to
  construction and economic development projects; June 2 represents
  an ideal date on which to honor all of those accomplishments, as
  Italians around the world celebrate this day as Festa della
  Repubblica to commemorate the 1946 referendum that ended the
  monarchy in Italy and established a republic and to commemorate
  over 160 years since the unification of Italy; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby designate June 2 as Italian Heritage Day; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
  391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
  until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
  passed by the legislature.