[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E145-E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE PRINCESS POCAHONTAS PAGEANT AND BALL FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the history 
behind the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball festival during the 
111th Washington Birthday Celebration in Laredo, Texas.
  The iconic figure of Princess Pocahontas holds a special place in the 
heart of the festivities, and made its first appearance in the first 
Washington Birthday Celebration, which was hosted by the Improved Order 
of Red Men. In 1897, this fraternal organization created a celebration 
around the birth of George Washington, and part of the initial 
festivities centered around an Indian ambush, but with a twist. 
Princess Pocahontas rode into town and rescued the city, as much as she 
did for Captain John Smith. This story represents the important link 
between Laredo and its connection to the Native American community 
during the Washington Birthday Celebration festivities.
  Today, Princess Pocahontas is chosen from the annual beauty festival, 
which introduces

[[Page E146]]

audiences to various aspects of Native American culture. Princess 
Pocahontas is accompanied by her court of Indian maidens and chieftains 
during the festival, and they pay homage to the Great Spirit with 
Native American rituals and dances. One quintessential part of the 
Princess Pocahontas tradition is that she rides on a horse, with the 
key to the City of Laredo in her hand as a reminder of the first 
ceremony in which she saved the citizens of Laredo in the first 
Washington Birthday Celebration. This year, Princess Pocahontas will be 
portrayed by Ms. Liza Nicole Gonzalez at the 111th Princess Pocahontas 
Pageant and Ball on February 16, 2008.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the 
long history behind the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball.

                          ____________________