H.R. No. 41 

WHEREAS, Juan Alamia, a resident of the Rio Grande Valley, joined the First United States Volunteer Cavalry at its mustering camp in San Antonio in May 1898 for service in the Spanish-American War; and WHEREAS, The conflict between Spain and the United States centered on the question of Cuba, where for several years insurgents had been fighting a guerrilla war against their colonial rulers; on April 20, 1898, the U.S. Congress recognized Cuban independence and simultaneously authorized the use of American military force to ensure it; four days later, Spain declared war on the United States; and WHEREAS, Mr. Alamia's regiment trained at Camp Wood in San Antonio for a month before embarking for Cuba; the unit's first commander, Leonard Wood, was soon replaced by his second-in-command, Theodore Roosevelt; known affectionately as the Rough Riders, these troops won fame for their successful assaults on Kettle and San Juan hills, near the city of Santiago, on July 1, 1898; and WHEREAS, Spain's defeat in Cuba was sealed a few days later, when the Spanish fleet was destroyed as it tried to escape from Santiago harbor; American forces also succeeded in taking Puerto Rico and the Philippines, bringing the war to a conclusion by mid-August 1898; and WHEREAS, Juan Alamia returned to his home in South Texas, where, in May 1913, he became a casualty of the Mexican Revolution; Mr. Alamia was killed when General Lucio Blanco, a supporter of the rebel leader Venustiano Carranza, attacked the border town of Rio Bravo; and WHEREAS, Today, just over a century after the formation of the Rough Riders, Mr. Alamia is remembered for his heroism, patriotism, and devotion to the cause of freedom; and WHEREAS, State Representative Aaron Peña, Jr., has rightfully presented this resolution to the Texas House of Representatives for its consideration on behalf of his ancestor Juan Alamia; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby recognize Juan Alamia for his remarkable achievements and service to this state and country; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the family of Juan Alamia as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Pena ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 41 was adopted by the House on August 5, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House