86R25236 BPG-D
By: Vo H.R. No. 1188
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Many proud Texans of Vietnamese heritage are
visiting Austin on April 25, 2019, in celebration of Vietnamese
American Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, For close to half a century, the Lone Star State has
been home to a growing population of Vietnamese Americans, a vast
number of whom settled in coastal and metropolitan areas following
the end of the Vietnam War; the state boasts one of the nation's
largest Vietnamese American communities, with more than 210,000
members, nearly half of whom live in the Greater Houston area;
Bellaire Boulevard in the Bayou City is particularly known for its
dynamic Vietnamese American business sector, encompassing
restaurants, entertainment venues, and medical and legal offices,
as well as an array of other establishments; and
WHEREAS, Vietnamese Americans have demonstrated strong
support for higher education and professional development in fields
ranging from medicine and the law to sports, the arts, and public
service; among the many prominent members of the community are
astronaut Eugene H. Trinh, former Dallas Cowboys player Dat Nguyen,
and scientist Nguyet Anh Duong, who developed the thermobaric
weapon; and
WHEREAS, While embracing the democratic ideals of our nation,
including freedom of speech and religion, Vietnamese Americans in
Texas have also worked to preserve and share their cultural
traditions; students at Rice University founded the Hung Vuong
Vietnamese Language and Culture School to teach youngsters about
their heritage; moreover, each year the Vietnamese American
community in Houston invites the wider community to participate in
such Lunar New Year festivities as the Alief International parade
and events featuring dragon dances, musical performances, and
ethnic foods; and
WHEREAS, The Vietnamese American community has contributed
immeasurably to the prosperity and vibrancy of the Lone Star State,
and it is truly a pleasure to welcome the visiting delegation and
join in celebrating a rich history of achievement that enhances our
nation's renown as the land of opportunity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 25, 2019, as Vietnamese American
Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those in attendance
sincere best wishes for a memorable and productive stay in Austin.