H.R. No. 248
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, July 31, 2013, marks the 60th wedding anniversary of
Saoroth and Yani Keo of Houston, and this joyous event provides a
fitting opportunity to reflect on their remarkable journey together
as husband and wife; and
WHEREAS, Natives of Cambodia, Saoroth Keo and the former Yani
Rose Yos were brought together by their families; their fathers,
both judges, had agreed to a union between their children before
Mrs. Keo was even born, and Mr. Keo eventually chose the bold and
strong-willed Yani over her more serene older sister; they were
joined in matrimony in Phnom Penh in 1953, when Mrs. Keo was just
15, but contrary to tradition, she continued her education even
after the birth of their first child; and
WHEREAS, Having studied engineering in Paris, Mr. Keo became
director of Cambodia's railroads; Mrs. Keo honed her linguistic
skills through extensive travel abroad and became an interpreter
for the wife of the president, but political turmoil began to
overwhelm the country; when refugees streamed into Phnom Penh, Mrs.
Keo helped organize a volunteer aid group; her humanitarian efforts
and international connections made her a target of Khmer Rouge
rebels, and in April 1975, the couple was forced to flee; still
hoping to serve his country, Mr. Keo subsequently tried to return,
but the situation had grown even more desperate; for five terrible
months, the whirlwind of political events kept the couple apart,
and Mr. Keo was believed to have been killed until Mrs. Keo learned
with relief that he had been sent to Houston under the sponsorship
of Catholic Charities; and
WHEREAS, The Keos began a new life together in Texas, where
Mr. Keo learned English while working as a clerk at AE Services; his
employers discovered he was a skilled draftsman and engineer, and
he ultimately retired as a partner in the company; Mrs. Keo
continued her philanthropy as a cofounder of the Refugee Services
Alliance, which expanded its mission to provide aid to all
immigrants; today, it is known as the Alliance for Multicultural
Community Services; Mrs. Keo also helped establish the Texas
Cambodian Temple of Houston and served as president of the
Cambodian Farm Project and Khmer Village; moreover, she has served
on the City of Houston Advisory Council of International
Communities and chaired the Information Group for Asian American
Rights; the Keos have personally sponsored many Cambodian refugees
through the years; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to their family, Mr. and Mrs. Keo take great
pride in their four children, Rothmoni, Soudeth, Nanda, and Sorith
Keo, as well as their 10 cherished grandchildren, Michael, Toni,
Patrick, Mitchell, and Matthew Keo, Christopher and Tiffani Kou,
Jason and Nancy Chamroeun, and Anand Pok; and
WHEREAS, The 60 years of marriage that Mr. and Mrs. Keo have
shared is eloquent affirmation of the meaning of love and
commitment, and their enduring union is an inspiration to all who
know them; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Saoroth and
Yani Rose Keo on their 60th wedding anniversary and extend sincere
best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Keo as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Vo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 248 was adopted by the House on June
25, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House