81R32898 JNC-D
By: Edwards H.R. No. 2364
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas has long been a valued
supporter of the celebration of Juneteenth in Galveston; and
WHEREAS, An official state holiday since 1980, Juneteenth
commemorates an important milestone in human rights in Texas, the
first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston on June
19, 1865, by Union general Gordon Granger, which effectively freed
the 250,000 slaves in Texas at the end of the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Thomas served her fellow citizens as a member
of the city council before being elected mayor in 2002; she has
provided exceptional leadership throughout her terms, and was
nationally recognized for her efforts during Hurricanes Rita and
Ike; and
WHEREAS, In addition to participating in Galveston
Juneteenth Celebrations for five consecutive years, Mayor Thomas
supported the installation of the state Juneteenth monument and has
assisted with the Al Edwards Juneteenth Banquet; and
WHEREAS, Through her ongoing efforts and support, Mayor
Thomas has helped to ensure a continued awareness of this landmark
event, not only in Galveston but also across the state; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas for her notable
support of Juneteenth activities and extend to her sincere best
wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mayor Thomas as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.