85R4523 SMJ-D By: Alonzo H.R. No. 66 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Each year, Mexicans and Hispanics of Mexican descent celebrate Diez y Seis as Mexican Independence Day, as they recall the historic events of September 16, 1810; and WHEREAS, Diez y Seis de Septiembre marks the beginning of the revolution that occurred after years of oppressive rule by Spain; Catholic priest and national hero Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla touched off the long-simmering rebellion when he ordered the arrest of native Spaniards in the town of Dolores and encouraged the indigenous peoples of Mexico to overthrow the brutal Spanish regime; and WHEREAS, Today, Father Hidalgo is revered as the father of Mexican independence; his call for freedom and for social and economic justice continues to evoke heartfelt feelings of pride and patriotism at home and to inspire oppressed people of all nationalities; and WHEREAS, Every year on September 16, Father Hidalgo's Grito de Independencia, or "Shout of Independence," is proclaimed by the president of Mexico from the balcony of the National Palace, as well as by the governor of each state, and the cry "Viva Mexico" resounds from the gathered multitudes in tribute to this national hero and all who took up the long, arduous struggle for self-determination; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize Diez y Seis de Septiembre, 2018, and pay tribute to the many native Mexicans who gave their lives in the quest for freedom and independence.