2025S0027-2 01/16/25 By: Hinojosa of Hidalgo S.R. No. 104 SENATE RESOLUTION WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to welcome the citizens of Mission who are gathering in Austin in celebration of Mission Day at the Texas Capitol on February 18, 2025; and WHEREAS, Mission has been one of the foremost commercial and agricultural hubs along the Texas border since the city was founded in 1908, the year the Missouri Pacific Railroad established a station in the area; and WHEREAS, Known as the home of the grapefruit, Mission has a proud history of citrus-fruit farming since the first citrus trees in the Rio Grande Valley were planted in the Mission area; once a year, citizens come together at the Texas Citrus Fiesta to celebrate their town's contributions to the multimillion-dollar citrus industry; and WHEREAS, A center for tourism and exchange between the United States and Mexico, Mission boasts a flourishing economy that has attracted agriculture associations, technology firms, and international manufacturers; the Center for Education and Economic Development, a business incubator and co-working facility, has been instrumental in diversifying the local economy and generating local business growth; and WHEREAS, In addition to industrial development, Mission offers a pleasant climate and beautiful natural surroundings to its 86,000 residents and thousands of seasonal visitors who spend the winter in Mission's many RV parks; locals and visitors enjoy such attractions as Mission's National Butterfly Center, the World Birding Center headquarters, the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, and the Mission hike and bike trails; and WHEREAS, Mission has been depicted in literature and popular culture as the iconic setting of Larry McMurtry's classic Western novel Lonesome Dove and its adapted television miniseries; Mission is also noted as the home of such prominent politicians and other well-known figures as United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Congressman Kika de la Garza, and legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry; and WHEREAS, The people of Mission are justifiably proud of their city for its cultural heritage and unique offerings, and Mission Day at the Capitol is truly a fitting opportunity to honor the City of Mission and its residents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Mission on their important contributions to the history and prosperity of our state and extend to them best wishes for a memorable Mission Day at the Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.