TITLE: Recognizing June 30, 2017, as Vaquero Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing June 30, 2017, as Vaquero Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The heritage of the vaquero remains vital in South Texas, and the central role this colorful and iconic figure has played in the history of the Lone Star State is being celebrated with Vaquero Day on June 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, Renowned for their horsemanship and stock-handling skills, vaqueros were crucial to the advance of Spanish ranching into Texas; from the mid-18th century onward, vaqueros figured significantly in the development of large, open-range cattle ranches in the region between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, traces of which can still be seen on the land in the form of fortified stone blockhouses, ranch outbuildings, chapels and cemeteries, hand-dug wells, and the man-made reservoirs that made it possible to assemble enormous herds; and WHEREAS, With the expansion of the Texas cattle industry in the 19th century, the vaquero's traditions shaped ranching practices all across the state, and much of the vaquero's equipment--his chaps, bandana, sombrero, lasso, spurs, and saddle--became standard gear for all Texas cowboys, while other elements of his craft, such as mounted herding and roping techniques, also influenced early Anglo American practices; eventually, these vaquero-inspired methods of working cattle spread across the High Plains and the western part of the United States; and WHEREAS, Today, the proud culture of the vaquero is being kept alive by such notable organizations as the Vaqueros of South Texas, whose members work to preserve the vaquero tradition for future generations; and WHEREAS, Through a deep appreciation of the land and through skills honed over the course of centuries, the vaquero has contributed immeasurably to the history, culture, and economy of South Texas and to the rich ranching heritage of the Lone Star State and the American West; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby recognize June 30, 2017, as Vaquero Day and commend the members of Vaqueros of South Texas for their fidelity to the generations of vaqueros who came before them. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 29, 2017.