TITLE: Congratulating Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz on his achievements as a charro.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz on his achievements as a charro.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Legendary charro Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz is being honored on March 27, 2011, at Three Mile Creek Ranch in New Braunfels, in conjunction with the inauguration of the Lienzo Charro Arena; and WHEREAS, The proud tradition of the charro, or Mexican horseman, dates back to the 17th century; charros are known for their skill in horsemanship, roping, and bull riding, as well as for their handsome costumes and intricately crafted saddles; and WHEREAS, Born on May 4, 1919, in Jalisco, Mexico, third-generation charro Mr. Diaz spent his childhood helping to train horses and work cattle on his grandfather's ranch; he excelled at crafting saddles and repairing tack, and at the age of 19, he moved to Mexico City to train horses for the family of Mexican president Lazaro Cardenas; and WHEREAS, In the 1940s, Mr. Diaz moved to Bandera, where he soon earned renown; he took a leadership role in preserving the charro tradition, helping to found the first charro association in the United States and later organizing the Asociacion Charros Del Bajio; and WHEREAS, Mr. Diaz worked as a stunt double for the Cisco Kid television series in the early 1950s, and in 1954, he performed for nine months with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus; he won a world title in reining and horse catching at an event in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1957; known as the "Father of Trick Roping" for his skill with the maguey rope, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in Fort Worth in 2003; and WHEREAS, Today, fourth and fifth generations continue the Diaz family charro tradition; Don Pepe's son, champion charro Jerry Diaz, is a recipient of the Golden Spur Award from the Federation of Charros, and Don Pepe's young grandson, Nicolas, began performing as a toddler; and WHEREAS, Master horseman Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz has dedicated his life to furthering the distinct culture of the charro, and it is indeed a pleasure to join with his loved ones in recognizing this esteemed gentleman during a very special tribute that will also serve as an early celebration of his 92nd birthday; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Don Jose "Pepe" Diaz on his outstanding achievements as a charro and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Diaz as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Raymond Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 951 was adopted by the House on March 21, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House