[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LA POSADA HOTEL

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
Anniversary of La Posada Hotel, a historical treasure and cultural icon 
of the community of Laredo, Texas.
  La Posada Hotel stands on the banks of the Rio Grande and in the 
heart of Laredo's Historic Business District, a quiet but proud tribute 
to the Spanish, Mexican and Texan architectural influences that many 
Texas cities are proud to call their own. The hotel's classic entrance, 
its windows wrapped in decorative wrought-iron, and Spanish-tile decked 
veranda draped with the Seven Flags of Texas all face the historic San 
Agustin Plaza.
  The building was established in 1916 and was first the home of old 
Laredo High School until 1961, when Tom Herring opened the hotel 
centered on the school building. La Posada is comprised of three 
additional historic 19th-century buildings: the Tack Room, formerly the 
Bruni House, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the San Agustin 
ballroom, formerly a convent. Renowned for its world-class 
accommodations and high-quality customer service, La Posada is also 
home to two award-winning restaurants, Zaragoza Grill and The Tack 
Room. It has undergone a $17-million renovation that has enabled it to 
become a premier hotel in Laredo and to continue its role as a 
contributor to the community's economy.
  La Posada has also become the elegant setting of some of Laredo's 
most acclaimed events, including the George Washington's Birthday 
Celebration, and host to illustrious figures including U.S. Senators, 
U.S. Congressmen, and international public officials and diplomats.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the time to commemorate the 50th 
Anniversary of La Posada Hotel and its historical, cultural and 
economic significance to the community of Laredo, Texas. I thank you 
for this time.

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