(AUSTIN) — Today (Jan. 25) Senator Judith Zaffirini welcomed representatives from the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) and the Laredo community to the Texas Capitol.

"I am delighted to welcome the delegation from the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association to Austin," Senator Zaffirini said. "What's more, I join the delegation in inviting my Senate colleagues and all Texans to attend Laredo's cherished annual patriotic celebration."

For 114 years, The Washington's Birthday Celebration has delighted Laredoans and visitors alike with a grand display of patriotism that includes parades, fireworks extravaganzas, galas and an international fair and exposition. The event, which began Jan. 15 and ends Feb. 20, is the largest celebration in the nation honoring the father of our country.

The Texas Senate paid tribute to the month-long event by passing Senate Resolution 52 by Zaffirini, honoring WBCA and welcoming representatives of its member organizations to the Texas Capitol. Among the distinguished officials greeting the delegation were Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst,Mr. South Texas 2004, and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, Mr. South Texas 2011. Senator Zaffirini was Mr. South Texas in 1999.

The delegation included Susan Foster, President of WBCA; Betty Ann Bunn Moreno, who will portray Martha Washington; Frank C. Averill Jr., who will portray George Washington; Rosemary Therese Santos, Princess Pocahontas; and Alex Jacob Cavazos, Chief Fire Mountain.

Participants include the Celebration's Abrazo Children, who will exchange hugs at the middle of the international bridge at the inspiring international friendship ceremony. The United States' representatives are Katarina Garcia and Evan A. Valls, and Mexico's representatives are Paloma Chapa Mendoza and Ernesto Knosel Reina. Joining the delegation was Giampaolo Consigliere, Executive Vice President of BBVA Compass, which sponsored the delegation's visit.

"The Washington's Birthday Celebration is not only a celebration of our fierce patriotism, but also a wonderful opportunity to honor our relationship with our sister city, Nuevo Laredo, and our sister country, Mexico," Senator Zaffirini said. "International friendship and collaboration are the hallmarks of Laredo's success."

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-Laredo, and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst welcome representatives of the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association to the Texas Capitol. The delegation includes Susan Foster, President of WBCA; Betty Ann Bunn Moreno, who will portray Martha Washington; Frank C. Averill Jr., who will portray George Washington; Rosemary Therese Santos, Princess Pocahontas; and Alex Jacob Cavazos, Chief Fire Mountain. The celebration's Abrazo Children are United States representatives Katarina Garcia and Evan A. Valls and Mexico representatives Paloma Chapa Mendoza and Ernesto Knosel Reina. Also pictured is Giampaolo Consigliere, Laredo City President for BBVA Compass, the delegation's sponsor.

###