HLS 15RS-1980 ORIGINAL
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 51
BY REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO
SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes Tuesday, April 28, 2015, as St. Bernard
Parish Day at the state capitol
1 A RESOLUTION
2To recognize Tuesday, April 28, 2015, as St. Bernard Parish Day at the state capitol and to
3 acknowledge the many contributions of culture, beauty, and economic prosperity
4 made to the state by its citizens.
5 WHEREAS, St. Bernard Parish lies five miles south of downtown New Orleans,
6Louisiana, and bestows scenic beauty, cultural treasures, bountiful waterways, and tranquil
7surroundings to the environs of the southeast region of the state; and
8 WHEREAS, St. Bernard is a community of congenial people who have maintained
9a unique cultural identity since its founding under Spanish colonial rule; and
10 WHEREAS, Canary Islanders, who identified themselves as "Isleños", immigrated
11to the lower edge of the parish to join French-Acadian pioneers, who settled there in 1720;
12and
13 WHEREAS, its extraordinary history is commemorated throughout the year as
14visitors view significant locales such as the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve
15where, in 1815, a young nation, the United States of America, maintained control of the
16Mississippi River trade route by the defeat of British forces during the Battle of New Orleans
17at Chalmette Battlefield; and
18 WHEREAS, the historic Malus-Beauregard House, built in the 1830s, is located on
19the battlefield grounds and serves as a museum and visitors center; and
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HR NO. 51
1 WHEREAS, adjacent to the battlefield is the Chalmette National Cemetery
2established in 1864; its gravesites recall for visitors the various military conflicts throughout
3American history from the War of 1812 and the Civil War to the Vietnam War; and
4 WHEREAS, the San Bernardo Scenic Byway follows an ancient estuary that was
5once a main channel of the Mississippi River; this meandering roadway is festooned with
6grand architectural wonders constructed in the nineteenth century; and
7 WHEREAS, with an abundance of waterways and wetlands, St. Bernard Parish is
8well known for its fresh seafood and culinary delights that reflect Creole, African, and
9Spanish influences; and
10 WHEREAS, navigable water bodies with access to the Gulf of Mexico, such as Lake
11Borne, the Mississippi River, and Breton Sound, make St. Bernard a "Sportsman's Paradise"
12for fishing, hunting, trapping, and birdwatching; and
13 WHEREAS, the impact of this cultural cornucopia is evident in year-round activities
14and festivals that reflect the heritage of this inviting southern community; and
15 WHEREAS, annual festivities include the Battle of New Orleans Commemoration,
16the Krewe of Gladiators and Knights of Nemesis Mardi Gras parades, the Irish, Italian, and
17Isleños parades, the Los Isleños Festival, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival, the Arts in April
18Festival, the Tomato Festival, the Sugar Festival, the Chalmette Boat Blessing, the Hook a
19Kid on Fishing Rodeo, the St. Bernard Salutes America Celebration, the ESPN Redfish Cup,
20the Blessing of the Fleet, Trick or Trunk, the Oyster Festival, Fiesta de la Concepcion, All
21Saints Day Mass and Celebration, Isleños Christmas, the Christmas Tour of Homes, the
22Community Christmas Concert, and Santa on the Bayou; and
23 WHEREAS, ancient oaks, magnolias, and other fragrant flora align with ageless
24plantation homes and cemeteries where the past and present meet and come alive; and
25 WHEREAS, in the Old Arabi Historic District, several sites are recognized by the
26National Register of Historic Places that include the St. Bernard Voice, the weekly
27community newspaper, dating back to 1870; the Old Jail, completed in 1911; LeBeau
28Plantation, completed in 1854; the Maumus Center, the site of the parish's first high school;
29the Cavaroc House, built in 1839; and Domino Sugar Refinery; and
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HR NO. 51
1 WHEREAS, the multicultural oasis that is St. Bernard Parish is a medley of
2waterways, townships, and historic destinations teeming with a kaleidoscope of attractions
3and interesting people that lie nestled in the lush natural beauty of Southeastern Louisiana.
4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
5Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize Tuesday, April 28, 2015, as St. Bernard
6Parish Day at the state capitol and does hereby acknowledge the many contributions of
7culture, beauty, and economic prosperity made to the state by its citizens.
8 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
9David E. Peralta, parish president of St. Bernard Parish.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 51 Original 2015 Regular Session Garofalo
Recognizes Tuesday, April 28, 2015, as St. Bernard Parish Day at the state capitol.
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