SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 247
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
welcome the citizens of the neighboring communities of Harlingen
and San Benito who are visiting Austin on Harlingen-San Benito
Day at the Capitol, March 8, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Harlingen traces its roots to Lon C. Hill, who
proposed the town site be astride the tracks of the Saint Louis,
Brownsville, and Mexico Railway; Harlingen was then destined to
become a crossroads, and the first train passed through on July 4,
1904; and
WHEREAS, Harlingen's World War II army air field evolved into
Harlingen Air Force Base, and later, into Valley International
Airport, the region's largest airport; additionally, Harlingen's
Free Trade Bridge provides access to Mexico, and its barge port
connects to the Intracoastal Waterway; and
WHEREAS, The area's semitropical climate, natural resources,
and friendly people have long made Harlingen a destination for
travelers, including winter Texans, birders, and other outdoor
enthusiasts; attractions include the Iwo Jima Memorial, the
historic downtown district with its mural and heritage trails,
and an abundance of parks and sports facilities; Harlingen is
currently privileged to have the leadership of Mayor Christopher
H. Boswell; and
WHEREAS, The City of San Benito began to flourish due to
the efforts of such early pioneers as Colonel Sam Robertson;
through the creation of an expansive irrigation system and the
development of a significant railroad system and network, San
Benito contributed greatly to the economic rise of Cameron County
and the Rio Grande Valley; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, San Benito has been an asset to
our state and nation in multiple ways; the city's sons and
daughters have played a significant role in our country's defense
by their service in conflicts around the world; in addition, San
Benito promotes, preserves, and supports the cultural arts and
institutes that generate tourism in Texas; the city is home to
the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the San Benito
History Museum, the Freddy Fender Museum, and the Narciso
Martinez Cultural Arts Center; San Benito currently enjoys the
leadership of Mayor Celeste Sanchez; and
WHEREAS, The residents of Harlingen and San Benito have
developed a regional health care hub that includes the Valley
Baptist Health System, the Harlingen Medical Center, and Muñiz
Rio Grande Pharmacy; and
WHEREAS, Residents of both cities have long understood the
importance of education as a key to the future and have supported
efforts to expand public and private schools; the area's assets
include Texas State Technical College and the Regional Academic
Health Center, which has been an integral part of medical
services and education in the Rio Grande Valley since 1999; and
WHEREAS, The Cities of Harlingen and San Benito are home to
more than 100,000 Texans, and residents proudly embrace the
colorful history of their communities while confidently
anticipating a prosperous future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Harlingen and San
Benito on their many contributions to the growth and prosperity
of our state and extend to them best wishes for a productive and
rewarding Harlingen-San Benito Day at the Capitol; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.
Lucio
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate