S.C.R. No. 8
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State has benefited enormously from
the contributions of its Italian American residents; and
WHEREAS, During the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, the
few Italians who came to Texas were mainly explorers, adventurers,
or missionaries; Italians began to play a larger role toward the end
of the 19th century, when Piedmontese made their homes in Montague
County and Sicilians settled in the lower Brazos valley and on the
Galveston County mainland; Modenese, Venetians, and Piedmontese
worked the coal mines at Thurber, and Italian financier Joseph
Telfener brought some 1,200 Lombards to help construct the New
York, Texas and Mexican Railway between Victoria and Rosenberg; and
WHEREAS, Most of the railway builders and coal miners moved
back to Italy or on to other places when their work was completed;
however, the Italian American community in the Brazos valley fanned
out into surrounding areas, and settlements in Houston, Galveston,
and San Antonio expanded rapidly; new residents founded churches,
newspapers, and benevolent-fraternal organizations, as well as
businesses; prominent Italian Americans of the 20th century include
bootmaker Sam Lucchese, sculptor Pompeo Coppini, rancher Antonio
Mateo Bruni, and agriculturalist-developer Biagio Varisco; the
towns of Bruni and Varisco and such names as Bruni Park, Varisco
Airport, Liggio Street, and Laneri Avenue are a testament to the
achievements of Italian Americans; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, individuals of Italian descent
have excelled in all sectors of our society and economy, enriching
our cultural tapestry, enhancing our prosperity, and securing the
Lone Star State's reputation as a land of promise and possibility;
most recently, Italian Americans have made prominent contributions
throughout the state in such areas as aerospace, energy,
technology, science, research, and arts and culture, in addition to
construction and economic development projects; June 2 represents
an ideal date on which to honor all of those accomplishments, as
Italians around the world celebrate this day as Festa della
Repubblica to commemorate the 1946 referendum that ended the
monarchy in Italy and established a republic and to commemorate
over 160 years since the unification of Italy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate June 2 as Italian Heritage Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 8 was adopted by the Senate
on April 3, 2023, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 8 was adopted by the House
on May 24, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0,
one present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor