82R24008 BPG-D
By: Parker H.C.R. No. 144
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State has benefited enormously from
the contributions of its Italian American residents; and
WHEREAS, During the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, the
few Italians who came to Texas were mainly explorers, adventurers,
or missionaries; Italians began to play a larger role toward the end
of the 19th century, when Piedmontese made their homes in Montague
County and Sicilians settled in the lower Brazos valley and on the
Galveston County mainland; Modenese, Venetians, and Piedmontese
worked the coal mines at Thurber, and Italian financier Joseph
Telfener brought some 1,200 Lombards to help construct the New
York, Texas and Mexican Railway between Victoria and Rosenberg; and
WHEREAS, Most of the railway builders and coal miners moved
back to Italy or on to other places when their work was completed;
however, the Italian American community in the Brazos valley fanned
out into surrounding areas, and settlements in Houston, Galveston,
and San Antonio expanded rapidly; new residents founded churches,
newspapers, and benevolent-fraternal organizations, as well as
businesses; prominent Italian Americans of the 20th century include
bootmaker Sam Lucchese, sculptor Pompeo Coppini, rancher Antonio
Mateo Bruni, and agriculturalist-developer Biagio Varisco; the
towns of Bruni and Varisco and such names as Bruni Park, Varisco
Airport, Liggio Street, and Laneri Avenue are a testament to the
achievements of Italian Americans; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, individuals of Italian descent
have excelled in all sectors of our society and economy, enriching
our cultural tapestry, enhancing our prosperity, and securing the
Lone Star State's reputation as a land of promise and possibility;
June 2 represents an ideal date on which to honor those
accomplishments, as Italians around the world celebrate this day as
Festa della Repubblica to commemorate the 1946 referendum that
ended the monarchy in Italy and established a republic; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate June 2 as Italian Heritage Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, the designation expires on the 10th
anniversary of the date this resolution is passed by the
legislature.