[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 113 (Tuesday, September 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SALUTING UVALDE, TEXAS AND THE WEST MAIN LIBRARY MUSEUM ARCHIVES 
                                PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2002

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of An Extravaganza in Old 
Uvalde (AEIOU), which was held in Uvalde, Texas on September 6th and 
7th. This annual event is a fundraiser for the West Main Library Museum 
Archives Project.
  The West Main Project will provide the people of Uvalde and the 
surrounding area access to a myriad of printed information. In 
addition, through its archives and museum, the project will play a 
critical role in preserving the culture of this beautiful region. This 
facility will provide the room and the resources to meet the needs of 
the community.
  South Texas is home to a unique crossroads of cultures. This facility 
will remind area children of our heritage and provide a forum through 
which to share this heritage with neighbors and visitors alike. The 
library will chronicle the unique experiences of residents of the area, 
preserving their experiences on videotape for generations to come. It 
will showcase area geological, cultural, social and other historical 
artifacts. With archaeological and written documentation, the museum 
will tell the story of what Uvalde is and what it has been.
  El Progreso will provide a place for local children to conduct 
research and be tutored, for migrant families to learn English, and for 
seniors to learn to use the Internet. It will provide a place for 
partnerships between educational, governmental, civic and social 
service organizations to flourish. It will allow residents to give back 
to the community through volunteering in a variety of capacities.
  Education, history and culture are important parts of our past. I 
commend Uvalde for it's leadership in preserving the past while 
building towards the future. It is my sincere hope that thanks to the 
West Main Project, Uvalde will soon be home to the best library and 
archives in all of West Texas.

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