(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini today (Wednesday) honored representatives from the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) and the City of Laredo in the Texas Senate.

Delegations representing WBCA and the city were honored as she unanimously passed Senate Resolutions 7 and 65, respectively. Earlier she hosted a reception honoring them at the Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room.

"I am delighted to welcome the delegations from Laredo and the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association to our beautiful Texas Capitol," Senator Zaffirini said. "What's more, I join them in inviting state legislators and all Texans to visit our dynamic, international city and enjoy our cherished annual patriotic celebration."

For 118 years WBCA has delighted Laredoans and visitors alike with a grand display of patriotism that includes parades, fireworks extravaganzas, galas and an international fair and exposition. With approximately 400,000 attendees annually, it is the largest celebration in the nation honoring our first president. This year's festivities began Jan. 22 and end Feb. 23.

The Texas Senate paid tribute to the month-long event by passing Senate Resolution (SR) 7 by Zaffirini, honoring WBCA and welcoming its representatives to the Texas Capitol.

The WBCA delegation included Veronica Castillon, president of WBCA; Melissa Cigarroa, portraying Martha Washington; Gabriel Castillo, George Washington; and Andrea Gabriela Gloria, Princess Pocahontas.

Also included were the celebration's Abrazo Children, who will exchange hugs at the middle of the international bridge at the inspiring international friendship ceremony on Feb. 21. The United States' representatives are Valeria Montemayor and John Roman Galo, and Mexico's representatives are Alexandra Carriedo Villarreal and Franco Garza Carmona.

Representatives Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, and Tracy King, D-Batesville, hosted the delegations in the House of Representatives.

"WBCA is not only a proud display of our patriotism and civic pride, 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."

The Senate also passed SR 65 by Zaffirini, recognizing Laredo Legislative Day and honoring the city and its leaders. Attending the ceremony were Mayor Pete Saenz and City Council Members Rudy Gonzalez Jr., Esteban Rangel, Alejandro Perez Jr., Roque Vela Jr. and Roberto Balli, who also met with state legislators and agency officials to discuss the city's legislative priorities.

"Count on me to continue to champion the needs and interests of the City of Laredo," Senator Zaffirini said.

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-LAREDO, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick welcome members of the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association to the Texas Senate. The delegation included Veronica Castillon, president of WBCA; Melissa Cigarroa, portraying Martha Washington; Gabriel Castillo, George Washington; Andrea Gabriela Gloria, Princess Pocahontas; and the Abrazo children, Valeria Montemayor and John Roman Galo from the United States and Alexandra Carriedo Villarreal and Franco Garza Carmona from Mexico.

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