82R6504 MGR-D
By: Berman H.C.R. No. 59
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Residents of the cities of Tyler, Longview, and
Kilgore are celebrating East Texas Coalition Days at the State
Capitol from February 28 to March 1, 2011, and this occasion
provides an ideal opportunity to extol the many virtues of these
three communities; and
WHEREAS, Claiming the title "Rose Capital of the Nation,"
Tyler is well known for the flowers that are grown and displayed to
great effect at the Municipal Rose Garden, at the Tyler Rose Museum,
and in other locations throughout the city; the community also
benefits from the natural beauty of its urban forests and nearby
bodies of water and offers popular destinations such as the
Caldwell Zoo, Discovery Science Place, and the Tyler Museum of Art,
as well as opportunities for boating and fishing on Lakes Palestine
and Tyler and an ample supply of golf courses; and
WHEREAS, More than 18,000 students pursue higher education at
The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Junior College, The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, and Texas
College, and Tyler is the medical headquarters of the region,
boasting numerous health care institutions as well as the academic
research facility; and
WHEREAS, Energy and industry have powered the city of
Longview through nearly a century and a half of growth and progress,
a dynamic story that is told at the Gregg County Historical Museum;
originally an agricultural community, Longview changed forever
when oil was discovered in the area, and the vast reserves of the
East Texas Oilfield helped America become a world power; petroleum
continues to play a key role in the city's economy, but a diverse
range of other commercial endeavors has been established there,
including manufacturing, lignite mining, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike enjoy the Longview
Museum of Fine Arts and the Great Texas Balloon Race, and the town
is the site of LeTourneau University, founded by the inventor,
entrepreneur, businessman, and evangelist R. G. LeTourneau, whose
memorial museum and archives are located on the campus; among the
annual celebrations in the Longview area are the Roughneck Day
Festival in White Oak and East Texas Gusher Days in Gladewater; and
WHEREAS, Kilgore is another community that has played a
central role in the oil business, and it is known as the "City of
Stars" for the many star-topped derricks in the center of town,
which are lighted at Christmastime; in addition to being home to the
Rangerettes, the internationally famous drill team, Kilgore
College chronicles the history of "the world's richest acre" at its
East Texas Oil Museum; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the efforts of its enterprising citizens,
Kilgore features both first-class entertainment like the Texas
Shakespeare Festival, which draws actors from across the nation,
and vintage small-town charm that welcomes tourists to the city's
antique shops and restaurants; well-known Kilgore natives include
celebrated pianist Van Cliburn and legendary Texas Ranger Manuel T.
"Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas; and
WHEREAS, The residents of these three notable cities are
justifiably proud of their heritage and of the many qualities that
make East Texas an outstanding place in which to live, work, and
raise a family, and it is indeed fitting to acknowledge and
celebrate the numerous contributions this region continues to make
to the development of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate February 28 to March 1, 2011, as East Texas
Coalition Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable stay
in Austin.