HR121 - Recognizing February 4, 2025, as Laredo Day at the State Capitol.

      H.R. No. 121       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Proud residents of Laredo are gathering in Austin to   celebrate Laredo Day at the State Capitol on February 4, 2025; and          WHEREAS, Originally known as San Agustín de Laredo, the city   was founded in 1755 as an outpost of the Spanish empire; it later   belonged to Mexico, after that country gained independence from   Spain in 1821, and nearly two decades later it was named the capital   of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande; Laredo became part of   Texas in 1846 and was subsequently chosen as the Webb County seat;   and          WHEREAS, From its earliest days, Laredo was an important   crossing on the Rio Grande and a trading center for livestock,   hides, and wool; its role in international trade expanded with the   arrival of the railroad in 1881 and the development of the Zona   Libre, or free trade zone, along the border between the United   States and Mexico; its economy was also bolstered by coal mining,   onion farming, and the discovery of rich oil and gas fields; and          WHEREAS, Today, this bustling gateway city is the largest   inland port along the U.S.-Mexico border and one of the top   U.S. Customs districts in the nation, and its diverse economy   benefits from the retail, hospitality, import and export, and   health services industries; moreover, Laredo is a focus for higher   education in the Rio Grande Valley, as the home to Texas A&M   International University, two campuses of Laredo College, and The   University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo; and          WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike may explore such area   attractions as the historic San Agustín Cathedral, the Republic of   the Rio Grande Museum, and the Laredo Center for the Arts, while 40   blocks of import vendors along San Bernardo Avenue draw shoppers   from near and far; in addition, Laredo is home to Washington's   Birthday Celebration, an annual event that includes a carnival,   colonial pageant, jalapeño festival, and parade; and          WHEREAS, Boasting a rich heritage and a vibrant international   culture, the people of Laredo may indeed take great pride in the   role their community continues to play in the story of the Lone Star   State; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize February 4, 2025, as Laredo Day at the   State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.     Raymond     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 121 was adopted by the House on   February 4, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House