H.R. No. 1729
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The third annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern
Festival is being held on May 17, 2009, in Irving; and
WHEREAS, Featuring dragon boat races, kite flying, a lantern
festival, as well as traditional Asian food, performances, arts and
crafts, and educational activities, the event is hosted by the
Marco Polo World Foundation and is also supported by a host of
community volunteers and sponsors; through its establishment of the
DFW festival, this nonprofit organization seeks to promote the
sport of dragon boat racing, to celebrate Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month, and to enhance intercultural understanding among
area residents; and
WHEREAS, The three main components of the DFW festival each
showcase a particular Chinese custom with origins dating back more
than 2,000 years; dragon boat racing began in China as a tribute to
the hero and patriot Qu Yuan, and today this team-building endeavor
is rapidly growing as an international sport; kites are another
legacy of ancient China and were created for the purpose of
communicating during battles; today they are a popular recreational
pursuit, many depicting fairy tales, flowers, birds, and other
animals, and contests are held for both craftsmanship and flying
skills; like kites, Chinese lanterns are beautiful works of art,
and while some are made simply as colored spheres, others feature
intricate designs and portraits of historical figures, legends, and
landscapes; among the first documented portable light fixtures,
lanterns are also often displayed, in a variety of shapes and sizes,
at such festivals as Chinese New Year and August Moon; and
WHEREAS, A unique educational experience, the DFW Dragon
Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival is contributing to the cultural
vitality of the region, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize the
efforts of its hosts to advance greater awareness and diversity;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 2009 DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and
Lantern Festival and extend to its organizers and attendees sincere
best wishes for a successful and memorable event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Marco Polo World Foundation as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
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______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1729 was adopted by the House on May
11, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House