SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 308
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 March 5 and 6, 2019, to
celebrate Harlingen-San Benito Days at the Capitol; 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; and
WHEREAS, The Harlingen Chamber of Commerce was formed in
1919, and it has worked with the city for the past 100 years; its
915 active members maintain a serious commitment to the goals of
the organization and promote business activities throughout the
community; 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 notable role in our country's defense
through 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; 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, 86th
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 visit on Harlingen-San Benito Days at the Capitol; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 6, 2019.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate