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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize residents of Laredo as they gather at the State Capitol |
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to celebrate Laredo Day on February 4, 2025; and |
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WHEREAS, San Agustin de Laredo was founded in 1755 as an |
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outpost for the Spanish Empire; the city became part of Mexico |
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after gaining independence from Spain in 1821, and nearly two |
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decades later, it was named capital of the Republic of the Rio |
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Grande; in 1846, Laredo officially became part of Texas and was |
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subsequently chosen as the Webb County seat; and |
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WHEREAS, Since its inception, Laredo has served as an |
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important crossing point on the Rio Grande and a trading center |
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for livestock, hides, and wool; its role in international trade |
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expanded with the arrival of the railroad in 1881 and the |
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development of the Zona Libre, or free trade zone, along the |
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border between the United States and Mexico; the city's economy |
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was bolstered by coal mining, onion farming, and the discovery of |
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oil and gas fields; and |
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WHEREAS, This bustling gateway city is the largest inland |
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port along the United States-Mexico border and one of the top |
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United States Customs districts in the nation; its citizens |
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benefit from the retail, health services, and hospitality |
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industries, and as the home of Texas A&M International |
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University, two campuses of Laredo College, and The University of |
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Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo, its emphasis on |
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higher education is evident; and |
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WHEREAS, Visitors and residents enjoy such area |
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attractions as the historic San Agustin Cathedral, the Republic |
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of the Rio Grande Museum, the Laredo Center for the Arts, and |
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citywide events like Washington's Birthday Celebration; and |
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WHEREAS, Boasting a rich heritage and a vibrant |
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international culture, the people of Laredo may indeed take great |
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pride in the role their community continues to play in the story |
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of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
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Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Laredo and extend a |
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warm welcome to the visiting delegation; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in |
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honor of this special occasion. |