H.R. No. 951
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Legendary charro Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz is being
honored on March 27, 2011, at Three Mile Creek Ranch in New
Braunfels, in conjunction with the inauguration of the Lienzo
Charro Arena; and
WHEREAS, The proud tradition of the charro, or Mexican
horseman, dates back to the 17th century; charros are known for
their skill in horsemanship, roping, and bull riding, as well as for
their handsome costumes and intricately crafted saddles; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 4, 1919, in Jalisco, Mexico,
third-generation charro Mr. Diaz spent his childhood helping to
train horses and work cattle on his grandfather's ranch; he
excelled at crafting saddles and repairing tack, and at the age of
19, he moved to Mexico City to train horses for the family of
Mexican president Lazaro Cardenas; and
WHEREAS, In the 1940s, Mr. Diaz moved to Bandera, where he
soon earned renown; he took a leadership role in preserving the
charro tradition, helping to found the first charro association in
the United States and later organizing the Asociacion Charros Del
Bajio; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Diaz worked as a stunt double for the Cisco Kid
television series in the early 1950s, and in 1954, he performed for
nine months with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus; he
won a world title in reining and horse catching at an event in
Monterrey, Mexico, in 1957; known as the "Father of Trick Roping"
for his skill with the maguey rope, he was inducted into the Hall of
Fame at the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in Fort
Worth in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Today, fourth and fifth generations continue the
Diaz family charro tradition; Don Pepe's son, champion charro Jerry
Diaz, is a recipient of the Golden Spur Award from the Federation of
Charros, and Don Pepe's young grandson, Nicolas, began performing
as a toddler; and
WHEREAS, Master horseman Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz has dedicated
his life to furthering the distinct culture of the charro, and it is
indeed a pleasure to join with his loved ones in recognizing this
esteemed gentleman during a very special tribute that will also
serve as an early celebration of his 92nd birthday; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz on his
outstanding achievements as a charro and extend to him sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Diaz as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Raymond
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 951 was adopted by the House on March
21, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House