ENROLLED Page 1 of 2 Regular Session, 2014 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 144 BY REPRESENTATIVE LEGER A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON To recognize May 13, 2014, as New Orleans Day at the Louisiana Legislature, to join in "Celebrating the Crescent City", to commend the city of New Orleans, and to provide suitable observance of this special day. WHEREAS, Louisiana is nationally and internationally recognized as perhaps the most unique state in the nation because of its amazing variety of major natural and cultural attractions and significant historical sites, and New Orleans plays a vital role in the distinction that Louisiana enjoys; and WHEREAS, New Orleans, founded in 1718, integrates into its identity two hundred ninety-six years of rich history, and is worthy of recognition for serving as a gateway to one of American's most unusual states with a diverse cultural heritage and singular historical legacy; and WHEREAS, the city of New Orleans ranks as the fifth most popular travel destination in the nation, drawing visitors from all over the world; and WHEREAS, the legislature celebrates the world prominence of the city of New Orleans as one of America's largest ports and fastest growing airports; and WHEREAS, the legislature celebrates Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport as being named the fastest growing airport in the United States and recognizes its key role in bolstering the city's economy; and WHEREAS, New Orleans, while celebrating its extraordinary history, is also a dynamic and modern city and is home to such diverse economic interests including tourism; the aerospace industry; the oil and gas industry; shipbuilding; manufacturing; telecommunications; film, music, and the visual, performing, and design arts; financial institutions; and facilities for scientific and medical research; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 144 Page 2 of 2 WHEREAS, more than nine million people visit the city annually, contributing to its economic prosperity by patronizing celebrated restaurants, elegant hotels, fabulous retail shops, and a wealth of entertainment venues; and WHEREAS, New Orleans' great festivals attract visitors, including almost one-half million for Jazz Fest, over one-half million for French Quarter Fest, and nearly one million for Mardi Gras; and WHEREAS, New Orleans offers a bevy of cultural treasures, such as the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, the New Orleans Jazz Fest Orchestra, Audubon Nature Institute, and the world-renowned musicians and entertainers that call New Orleans home; and WHEREAS, New Orleans proudly offers countless galleries for international and local art clustered in and around the French Quarter and the nearby Warehouse District, and a beautiful venue for the performing arts and Broadway musicals at the recently remodeled Saenger Theatre; and WHEREAS, it is the people of many cultural backgrounds that have contributed to the wonderful mixture of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that make New Orleans the remarkably distinctive place it is today. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby proclaim May 13, 2014, as New Orleans Day at the Louisiana Legislature, commends the city of New Orleans, and provides that this special day shall be observed with appropriate recognition of the unique history and culture of the Crescent City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Bobby Jindal, Governor of the state of Louisiana, and the Honorable Mitchell J. Landrieu, Mayor of the city of New Orleans. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE