H.R. No. 109
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Washington's Birthday Celebration Association,
in conjunction with its affiliated organizations, is presenting
Laredo's 125th commemoration of George Washington's birthday from
January 19 through March 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Every year, citizens of Laredo mark the birthday of
the Father of Our Country, in tribute to a champion of liberty who
is revered in countries throughout the Americas; for nearly a
century, the observance has been organized by the Washington's
Birthday Celebration Association, which is led this year by its
2022-2023 president, D. Matthew Gibson; and
WHEREAS, Since the celebration's beginning as a two-day
affair in 1898, it has gradually evolved into a grand festival
encompassing numerous events and drawing some 400,000 people; those
attending the festivities enjoy marching bands and parade floats,
spectacular fireworks displays, food, games, and performances by
entertainers from both sides of the border; additionally, the
association annually selects two individuals to portray George and
Martha Washington at various celebration events, and this year the
honor has gone to Jose A. Palacios Jr. and Linda Cristina Benavides
Alexander; and
WHEREAS, Other 2023 ambassadors include Leila Leigh Graham
and Ricardo Ferdin Jr., who will portray Princess Pocahontas and
the Peace Maker Chief of all Nations; the parts of the Abrazo
Children will be played by Mila Fernanda Garcia and Francisco
Marcel Gonzalez Flores, who are representing the United States, and
by Andressa Maria Vazquez Urteaga and Jeremiah Cabrera, who are
representing Mexico; and
WHEREAS, This much-anticipated celebration exemplifies the
spirit and enthusiasm of Laredoans and the pride they take in their
city and country; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the members of the Washington's
Birthday Celebration Association for their patriotism and
dedication and extend to them sincere best wishes for a joyous 125th
Washington's Birthday Celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the association as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Raymond
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 109 was adopted by the House on February
8, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House