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{{Infobox Holiday
{{otheruses}}
|holiday_name = Remembrance Day
{{US state
|official_name = Remembrance Day (Veterans Day For U.S.)
|Name = Texas
|Fullname = State of Texas
|image = Lest we forget.jpg
|Former = Republic of Texas
|caption = Poppy worn on lapel
|nickname = Poppy Day, [[Armistice Day]]
|Flag = Flag of Texas.svg
|Flaglink = [[Flag of Texas]]
|observedby = [[Commonwealth of Nations]]
|Seal = Texas state seal.png
|date = [[November 11]]
|observances = Parades, silences
|Seallink = [[Seal of Texas]]
|Map = Map_of_USA_TX.svg
|longtype =
|Nickname = Lone Star State
|type = international
|significance = Commemorates Commonwealth war dead
|Motto = Friendship
|Demonym = [[Texan]]
|relatedto = [[Veterans Day]]
|Capital = [[Austin, Texas|Austin]]
|LargestCity = [[Houston, Texas|Houston]]
|LargestMetro = [[Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex|Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington]]<ref name="US Census">{{citation |date=2007-04-04 |year=2007 |title=Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Estimates |publisher=US Census |url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/CBSA-est2006-pop-chg.html |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>
|Governor = [[Rick Perry]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
|Lieutenant Governor = [[David Dewhurst]] (R)
|Senators = [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] (R)<br/>[[John Cornyn]] (R)
|PostalAbbreviation = TX
|TradAbbreviation = Tex.
|BorderingStates = [[Arkansas]], [[Louisiana]],<br/>[[New Mexico]], [[Oklahoma]]
|OfficialLang = No official language<br/>(see [[Languages of Texas|Languages spoken in Texas]])
|AreaRank = 2<sup>nd</sup>
|TotalAreaUS = 268,820<ref name="facts">{{citation |year=2008 |title=Facts |edition =2008-2009 |publisher=[[Texas Almanac]] |url=http://www.texasalmanac.com/facts/ |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref>
|TotalArea = 696,241
|LandAreaUS = 261,797<ref name="facts"/>
|LandArea = 678,051
|WaterAreaUS = 6,784<ref name="facts"/>
|WaterArea = 17,574
|PCWater = 2.5
|PopRank = 2<sup>nd</sup>
|2000Pop (old) = 20,851,820
|2000Pop = 23,904,380 (2007 est.)<ref>http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html 2007 Population Estimates</ref>
|DensityRank = 26<sup>th</sup>
|2000DensityUS = 79.6<ref name="Census2">{{citation |year=2006 |title=Texas QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau |place =US Census
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=&geo_id=04000US48&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US48&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=04000US48&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=040&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=DEC_2000_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= |accessdate=2007-04-28}}</ref>
|2000Density = 30.75
|Total GDP = $1,065,891,000
|Total GDP Rank = 2<sup>nd</sup>
|Per capita GDP = $43,283
|Per Capita GDP Rank = 16<sup>th</sup>
|AdmittanceOrder = 28<sup>th</sup>
|AdmittanceDate = December 29, 1845
|TimeZone = [[Central Standard Time Zone|Central]]: [[UTC]]-6/[[Daylight saving time|-5]]
|TZ1Where = most of state
|TimeZone2 = [[Mountain Standard Time Zone|Mountain]]: [[UTC]]-7/[[Daylight saving time|-6]]
|TZ2Where = tip of [[West Texas]]
|Latitude = 25°&#8202;50′ N to 36°&#8202;30′ N
|Longitude = 93°&#8202;31′ W to 106°&#8202;39′ W
|WidthUS = 773<ref name="environment">{{citation |year=2008 |title=Environment |edition =2008-2009 |publisher=[[Texas Almanac]] |url=http://www.texasalmanac.com/environment/ |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref>
|Width = 1,244
|LengthUS = 790
|Length = 1,270
|HighestPoint = [[Guadalupe Peak]]<ref name="usgs">{{cite web |date=April 29, 2005 |url=http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest |title=Elevations and Distances in the United States |publisher=U.S Geological Survey |accessdate=2006-11-08}}</ref>
|HighestElevUS = 8,749
|HighestElev = 2,667
|MeanElevUS = 1,700
|MeanElev = 520
|LowestPoint = [[Gulf of Mexico]] coast<ref name="usgs"/>
|LowestElevUS = 0
|LowestElev = 0
|ISOCode = US-TX
|Website = www.texasonline.com/
}}
}}
{{portalpar|Holidays|Calendar icon.svg}}
[[Image:National-atlas-texas.png|thumb|300px|right|Map of Texas, showing major cities and roads.]]


'''Remembrance Day''' also known as '''Poppy Day''', '''[[Armistice Day]]''' (the event it commemorates), or '''[[Veterans Day]]''' is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of [[war]], specifically since the [[World War I|First World War]]. It is observed on [[11 November]] to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. The day was specifically dedicated by King [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]], on [[7 November]], [[1919]], to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war; this was possibly done upon the suggestion of [[Edward George Honey]] to [[Wellesley Tudor Pole]] who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.<ref name="lRSA">{{cite web | publisher=rsa.org.nz | title=The Remembrance Ceremony | url=http://www.rsa.org.nz/remem/rsa_hist_ceremony.html | accessdaymonth=7 November | accessyear=2006}}</ref>
'''Texas''' ({{Audio-IPA|en-us-Texas.ogg|/ˈtɛksəs/}}) is a [[U.S. state|state]] geographically located in the [[South Central United States]] and is also known as the ''Lone Star State''. [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] is the [[state capital]]. Texas is the second largest U.S. state in both area and population, with an area of {{convert|268820|sqmi|km2}} and a growing population of 23.9 million. [[Houston]] is the state's largest city. The [[Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex|Dallas/Fort Worth area]] is the largest [[metropolitan statistical area]] in Texas and the fourth-largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States.


==Observance in the Commonwealth==
Traveling east to west, the [[Geography of Texas|landscape of Texas]] gradually evolves from that of the [[Deep South]] into that of the desert [[Southwestern United States|Southwest]], going from [[piney woods]] to semi-forests of oak and [[Cross Timbers|cross timbers]], into rolling plains and [[prairie]], then finally to [[desert]] in the [[Big Bend (Texas)|Big Bend]]. These wide open spaces of the Texas prairie have lent currency to the phrase that "everything is bigger in Texas".<ref name="biggerTexas">{{cite web |last=Gite |first=Lloyd |authorlink=http://findarticles.com/p/search?tb=art&qa=Lloyd+Gite |title=Texas: they say everything is bigger in Texas, but is this true about opportunities for African-Americans in the state's largest cities? |publisher=Black Enterprise |month =June | year =1994 |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_n11_v24/ai_15429436 |format=html |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Due to its long history as a center of the American cattle industry, Texas is associated throughout much of the world with the image of the [[cowboy]].
[[Image:Remembrance march.jpeg|right|thumb|right|Remembrance Day, London, 2006.]]
Common British, Canadian, South African, and [[ANZAC Day|ANZAC]] traditions include two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, [[11 November]]), as that marks the time (in the United Kingdom) when [[armistice]] became effective.


The Service of Remembrance in many [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries generally includes the playing of the "[[Last Post]]," followed by the requisite two minutes of silence, followed again by the playing of "[[Reveille]]" (or, more commonly, "[[The Rouse]]"), and finished by a recitation of the "[[Ode of Remembrance]]." The "[[Flowers of the Forest|Scottish Bagpiper's Lament]]", "[[O Valiant Hearts]]", "[[I Vow to Thee, My Country]]" and "[[And did those feet in ancient time]]" are often played during the service. Services also include wreaths laid to honour the fallen, a blessing, and National Anthems.<ref>[http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=feature/vetweek/comm_guide#service|1 A Guide to Commemorative Services - Veterans Affairs Canada<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[History of Texas|Historically]] and [[Culture of Texas|culturally]], Texas has close ties to the [[Southern United States|American South]]. However, having once been both a Spanish and [[Mexico|Mexican]] possession, it can also be classified as a [[Southwestern United States|Southwestern state]]. While residents acknowledge these categories, many claim an independent "Texan" identity superseding [[List of regions of the United States|regional labels]].


===Australia===
[[Spain]] was the first European country to claim the area of Texas. It was then part of Mexico until 1836 when it became the independent [[Republic of Texas]]. In 1845 it joined the United States as the 28th state. The state's [[Texas Annexation|annexation]] was one of a [[Origins of the American Civil War|chain of events]] that led to the [[Mexican-American War]] in 1846 and the [[U.S. Civil War]].
In [[Australia]] Remembrance Day is always observed on [[11 November]], although the day is not a public holiday. Services are held at 11am at war memorials in suburbs and towns across the country, at which the "Last Post" is played by a bugler and a one-minute silence is observed. In recent decades, however, Remembrance Day has been partly eclipsed by [[ANZAC Day]] ([[25 April]]) as the national day of war commemoration.


===Bermuda===
In the early 1900s, [[Spindletop|oil discoveries]] led to an economic boom in the state. Texas has since [[Economy of Texas|economically diversified]]. It has a growing base in high technology, biomedical research and higher education. The state's [[Gross State Product|gross state product]] is the second-highest in the nation.
[[Image:Rembrance Day Parade Bermuda.jpg|right|thumb|Remembrance Day Parade, Hamilton, Bermuda, 1991.]]
In Bermuda, which sent the first colonial volunteer unit to the [[Western Front]] in 1915, and which had more people per capita in uniform during the [[Second World War]] than any other part of the Empire, Remembrance Day is still an important holiday. The parade in Hamilton had historically been a large and colourful one, as contingents from the Royal Navy, British Regular Army, the local Territorial units, the Canadian Forces, the US Army, Air Force, and Navy, and various cadet corps and other services were all contributed at one time or another to march with the veterans. Since the closing of British, Canadian, and American bases in 1995, the parade has barely grown smaller. In addition to the ceremony held in the City of [[Hamilton, Bermuda|Hamilton]] on Remembrance Day itself, marching to the Cenotaph (a smaller replica of the one in London), where wreathes are lain and orations made, a smaller military parade is also held in [[St. George, Bermuda|St. George's]] on the nearest Sunday to Remembrance Day.


==Etymology==
===Canada===
In [[Canada]], Remembrance Day is a holiday for [[Government of Canada|federal government]] employees; for private business, provincial governments, and schools, its status varies by province: in Western Canada and Atlantic Canada, it is a general holiday; in [[Ontario]] and [[Quebec]], it is not, although corporations that are federally registered may make the day a full holiday, or instead, designate a provincially-recognized holiday on a different day.
[[Image:Texas.JPG|left|thumb|Texas state welcome sign]]
The state's name derives from ''{{unicode|táyshay}}'', a word in the [[Caddoan languages|Caddoan language]] of the [[Hasinai]], which means "allies" or "friends".<ref name="facts"/><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Texas |title=Texas |accessdate=2007-02-25
|publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary}}</ref><ref>Wallace Chafe, p.c.</ref>


[[Image:Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with poppies.jpg|thumb|right|Poppies are laid on the [[Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier|Tomb of the Unknown Soldier]] on Remembrance Day in [[Ottawa]].]]
The word "Texas" has been incorporated into [[American English]] [[vernacular]] in many ways. Due to the state's large geographic size, the term "Texas-sized" is an expression for "big".<ref name=TSize1>{{cite web |last=Farivar |first=Cyrus |title=Texas-Sized Supercomputer to Break Computing Power Record |work=[[Wired News]] |date =2007-06-26|url=http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/06/sun_supercomputer|accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref><ref name=TSize2>{{cite web |last=Blumenthal |first=Ralph |title=Texas-sized noxious weed threatens State's largest natural lake |publisher=[[International Herald Tribune]] |date =2007, July 30 |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/30/news/lake.php|accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref> The state's name is used in brands such as [[Texas Roadhouse]] and [[Texas Instruments]]. The abbreviated form of "Texas", "[[Tex]]", is used as a [[nickname]] for someone born and/or raised in the state, such as country music singer [[Tex Ritter]]. "Tex" is also a [[prefix]] for Texas-related words, including [[Tex-Mex]] or the restaurant chain [[Texadelphia]].
{{clear}}


The official national ceremonies are held at the [[National War Memorial (Canada)|National War Memorial]] in [[Ottawa]], presided over by the [[Governor General of Canada]], any members of the [[Monarchy of Canada#Canadian Royal Family|Canadian Royal Family]], the [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]], and other dignitaries, to the observance of the public. Typically, these events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the [[Peace Tower]], during which serving members of the [[Canadian Forces]] arrive at Confederation Square, followed by the Ottawa [[diplomatic corps]], [[Minister of the Crown|Ministers of the Crown]], special guests, the [[Royal Canadian Legion]] (RCL), the [[Viceroy|vice-regal]] party, and, if present, the royal party. Before the start of the ceremony, four armed [[General Orders for Sentries|sentries]] and three sentinels &ndash; two flag sentinels and one nursing sister &ndash; are posted at the foot of the cenotaph.
==History==
{{main|History of Texas}}
[[Image:Six Flags of Texas.jpg|thumb|700px|center|The display of the "[[Six flags over Texas|Six Flags]]" in [[Austin, Texas]] includes the flags of (left to right) [[Crown of Castile]] (Spain), the [[Fleur-de-lis]] of France, [[Mexico]], the [[Confederate States of America]], the [[Republic of Texas]], and the [[United States of America]].<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=FF/msf1|name=Flags of Texas}}</ref>]]


The arrival of the [[Governor General of Canada|Governor General]] is announced by a trumpeter sounding the "Still," whereupon the [[viceroy]] is met by the Dominion President of the RCL and escorted to a [[dais]] to receive the Vice-Regal Salute, after which the [[national anthem]], "[[O Canada]]," is then played. The moment of remembrance begins with the bugling of "[[Last Post]]" immediately before 11:00 am, at which time the gun salute fires and the bells of the Peace Tower toll the hour. Another gun salute signals the end of the two minutes of silence, and cues the playing of a [[lament]], and then the bugling of "[[The Rouse]]." A [[flypast]] of Canadian Air Command craft then occurs at the start of a [[21-gun salute|21 gun salute]], upon the completion of which a choir sings "[[In Flanders Fields]]." The various parties then lay their wreaths at the base of the memorial; one wreath is set by the [[Silver Cross Mother]], the most recent recipient of the [[Memorial Cross]], on behalf of all mothers who lost children in any of Canada's armed conflicts. The royal and/or vice-regal group return to the dias to receive the playing of the [[Royal Anthem]] of Canada, "[[God Save the Queen]]," prior to the assembled Armed Forces personnel and veterans performing a [[March (music)|March Past]] in front of the royal and/or viceregal persons, bringing about the end of the official ceremonies.<ref>[http://www.legion.ca/asp/docs/feature/RemDay_e.asp Royal Canadian Legion: National Remembrance Day Ceremony 2007]</ref> A tradition of paying more personal tribute to the sacrifice of those who have served and lost their lives in defence of the country has emerged since erection of the [[Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier|The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier]] at the War Memorial in 2000. After the official ceremony the general public pay their respects by placing their poppies atop the Tomb.
===Colonization===
[[Image:Remebrance Day parade2.JPG|400px|thumb|right|The military Remembrance Day parade in [[Ottawa]].]]
{{Texas History}}
{{main|French Texas|Spanish Texas|Mexican Texas}}


Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the country, officiated by the relevant [[Lieutenant-Governor (Canada)|Lieutenant Governor]], as well as in other cities, towns, and even hotels or corporate headquarters. Schools will usually hold special assemblies for the first half of the day, or on the school day prior, with various presentations concerning the remembrance of the war dead. The largest indoor ceremonies are believed to be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with over 7,000 gathering in [[Credit Union Centre]].<ref>{{cite news| first = Janet| last = French| authorlink = | author = Janet French| coauthors = | title = First Nations vets remember at Wanuskewin| url = http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=66b748ba-0a1a-4289-b6e3-14adfdca1b3c| format = | work = | publisher = StarPhoenix| id = | pages = | page = | date = 2007-11-13| accessdate = 2007-11-13| language = | quote = | archiveurl = | archivedate = }}</ref>
[[Alonso Álvarez de Pineda]] made the first documented European sighting of Texas in 1519.<ref name="chipman243">Chipman (1992), p. 243.</ref><ref name="weber34"> Weber (1992), p. 34.</ref> On November 6, 1528, shipwrecked Spanish [[conquistador]] [[Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca]] became the first known European in Texas.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=CC/fca6|name=Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca}}</ref><ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=SS/nps1|name=Spanish Texas}}</ref> In 1685 [[René Robert Cavelier de La Salle|La Salle]] established the first [[European ethnic groups|European]] community in Texas, the French colony of [[French Texas|Fort Saint Louis]].<ref name="weber149">Weber (1992), p. 149.</ref> The colony, located along [[Matagorda Bay]], lasted only four&nbsp;years before succumbing to harsh conditions and hostile natives.<ref name="chipman83">Chipman (1992), p. 83.</ref>


===New Zealand===
Due to the perceived French encroachment, Spain established its first presence in Texas in 1691 constructing of [[Spanish missions in Texas|missions]] in [[East Texas]].<ref name=chipman89>Chipman (1992), p. 89.</ref> The missions failed quickly, and Spain did not resettle Texas until two&nbsp;decades had passed.<ref name="weber155">Weber (1992), p. 155.</ref> Spain returned to East Texas in 1716, establishing missions and a [[presidio]] to maintain a buffer between [[New Spain]] and the territory of [[La Louisiane|Louisiana]].<ref name=chipman111and2>Chipman (1992), pp. 111&ndash;112.</ref><ref name="weber160">Weber (1992), p. 160.</ref> Two&nbsp;years later, the first European civilian settlement in Texas, [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]], was established.<ref name="weber163">Weber (1992), p. 163.</ref>
[[New Zealand]] recognises the day as [[Poppy Day]]; events and ceremonies are similar to [[#Australia|those in Australia]].


===Papua New Guinea===
Hostile native tribes and remoteness from New Spain discouraged settlers from moving to Texas and it remained one of New Spain's least populated provinces.<ref name=chipman205>Chipman (1992), p. 205.</ref> San Antonio was a target for raids by the [[Lipan Apache]].<ref name="weber188">Weber (1992), p. 188.</ref> In 1749, the Spanish signed a peace treaty with the Apache,<ref name="weber193">Weber (1992), p. 193.</ref> which resulted in raids by the enemies of the Apache, the [[Comanche]], [[Tonkawa]], and [[Hasinai]] tribes.<ref name="weber189">Weber (1992), p. 189.</ref> The Comanche signed a treaty with Spain in 1785<ref>Weddle (1995), p. 163.</ref> and later assisted in defeating the Lipan Apache and [[Karankawa]] tribes.<ref name="weddle164">Weddle (1995), p. 164.</ref><ref name=chipman200>Chipman (1992), p. 200.</ref> An increased number of missions in the province allowed for a peaceful conversion of other tribes, and by the end of the 1700s only a few [[nomadic]] tribes had not been "[[Christianization|Christianized]]".<ref name=chipman202>Chipman (1992), p. 202.</ref>
In [[Papua New Guinea]], New Guinea marks Remembrance Day.<ref name="SMH">{{cite web | publisher=Sydney Morning Herald | title=Papua New Guinea marks Remembrance Day | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Papua-New-Guinea-marks-Remembrance-Day/2007/07/23/1185043012240.html | accessdaymonth=11 November | accessyear=2007}}</ref>


===South Africa===
The [[Louisiana Purchase]] by the United States led to a [[border dispute]] over Texas.<ref name="weber291">Weber (1992), p. 291.</ref><ref>Weber (1992), p. 292.</ref> The dispute was resolved in 1819, with the signing of the [[Adams-Onís Treaty]] recognizing the [[Sabine River (Texas-Louisiana)|Sabine River]] as Texas's eastern boundary.<ref name="weber299">Weber (1992), p. 299.</ref>
In [[South Africa]], the day is not a public holiday. Commemoration ceremonies are usually held on the following Sunday, at which, as with Australia and Britain, the "Last Post" is played by a bugler followed by the observation of a two-minute silence. The two biggest commemoration ceremonies to mark the event in South Africa are held in [[Johannesburg]], at the Cenotaph (where it has been held for 84 consecutive years), and at the War Memorial at the [[Union Buildings]] in [[Pretoria]].


===United Kingdom===
[[Image:Stephen f austin.jpg|thumb|left|[[Stephen F. Austin]]]]
[[Image:Westminsterabbeypoppies.jpg|thumb|right|Memorials outside London's [[Westminster Abbey]] for Remembrance Day, 2002.]]
In 1821, after the [[Mexican War of Independence]], the territory became a part of the new country.<ref name="weber300">Weber (1992), p. 300.</ref> Texas became the northern section of [[Coahuila y Tejas]] in 1824. Mexico ended the Spanish policy of allowing only full-blooded Spaniards to settle Texas. On January 3, 1823, after obtaining authorization by Governor [[Antonio María Martínez]], [[Stephen F. Austin]] began a colony of 297 Anglo-American families known as the "[[Old Three Hundred]]" along the [[Brazos River]].<ref name="old300">{{Handbook of Texas|id=OO/umo1|name=Old Three Hundred}} Accessed [[2008]]-[[04-27]]</ref> By 1830, the 30,000 Anglo settlers in Texas outnumbered [[Tejanos]] six to one.<ref name="Tejanos1">{{cite web |title=Tejano Patriots |work=bexargenealogy.com |url=http://www.bexargenealogy.com/index_Tejanos.htm |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>
In the [[United Kingdom]], although two minutes of silence is observed on [[11 November]] itself, the main observance is on the second Sunday of November, [[Remembrance Sunday]]. Ceremonies are held at local [[war memorial]]s, usually organised by local branches of the [[Royal British Legion]] &ndash; an association for ex-servicemen. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, and local civic leaders, as well as by local organisations including ex-servicemen organisations, [[Cadets|cadet forces]], the [[The Scout Association|Scouts]], [[Girlguiding UK|Guides]], [[Boys' Brigade]], [[St John Ambulance]] and the [[Salvation Army]]. The start and end of the silence is often also marked by the firing of a cannon. A minute's or two minutes' silence is also frequently incorporated into church services, and even everyday locations such as supermarkets and banks may invite their customers and staff to fall silent at 11:00 am.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web | publisher=BBC | title=War dead remembered | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/515640.stm | accessdaymonth=5 August | accessyear=2007}}</ref>


The main national commemoration is held at [[Whitehall]], in [[Central London]], for dignitaries, the public, and ceremonial detachments from the armed forces and civilian uniformed services such as the Merchant Navy, [[Her Majesty's Coastguard]], etc. Members of the [[British Royal Family]] walk through the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] towards the cenotaph, assembling to the right of the monument to wait for [[Big Ben]] to strike 11:00 am, and for the King's Troop, [[Royal Horse Artillery]] at [[Horse Guards Parade]], to fire the cannon marking the commencement of the 2 minutes of silence. Following this, "The Last Post" is played by the buglers of the [[Royal Marines]]. "The Rouse" is then played by the trumpeters of the Royal Air Force, after which, to [[Ludwig van Beethoven|Beethoven]]'s "Death March," wreaths are laid by attendees in the following order: the Queen; senior members of the Royal Family attending in military uniform; the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]]; the leaders of the major political parties from all parts of the United Kingdom; [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] [[High Commissioner]]s to London, on behalf of their respective nations; the [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|Foreign Secretary]], on behalf of the [[British overseas territory|British Dependencies]]; the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the Defence Staff]]; the [[First Sea Lord]]; the [[Chief of the General Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the General Staff]]; the [[Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the Air Staff]]; representatives of the [[Ship transport|merchant navy]] and Fishing Fleets and the merchant air service. Junior members of the Royal Family usually watch the service from the balcony of the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office|Foreign Office]]. The service is generally conducted by the [[Bishop of London]], with a choir from the [[Chapel Royal|Chapels Royal]], in the presence of representatives of all major faiths in the United Kingdom. Before the marching commences, the members of the Royal Family and public sing the [[National Anthem of the United Kingdom|national anthem]] before the Royal Delegation lead out after the main service.
===Republic===
{{main|Texas Revolution|Republic of Texas|Texas Annexation}}
The [[Convention of 1832]] and the [[Convention of 1833]] were responses to rising unrest at policies of the [[Mexico|Mexican]] government. Delegates feared the end of [[duty-free]] imports from the United States and the threat of ending slavery.<ref name="HBOT MEX">{{Handbook of Texas|id=MM/npm1|name=Mexican Texas}}</ref> In 1835, [[Antonio López de Santa Anna]], President of Mexico, created a [[1835 Constitution of Mexico|unified constitution]] for Mexico which created a centralized government with power concentrated in the President, and turned states into provinces with governors appointed from Mexico City.<ref name="HBOT MEX"/> States around Mexico rebelled against this imposition, including [[Chihuahua]], [[Zacatecas]] and [[Yucatan]]. Of note was the Centralista forces' brutal suppression of dissidents in [[Zacatecas]].<ref name="HBOT REV">{{Handbook of Texas|id=CC/qdc2|name=Texas Revolution}}</ref> Texans also resented policies such as the forcible disarmament of settlers, and the expulsion of immigrants and legal landowners originally from the United States.


Members of the [[British Police Cadets|Metropolitan Police Cadets]] and [[Army Cadets|British Army Cadets]] join in with the marching, alongside [[paramedic]]s from [[St. John Ambulance]] and the [[London Ambulance Service]], and conflict veterans from [[World War I|WW1]], [[World War II|WW2]], [[Falklands War|the Falklands]], [[Kosovo War|Kosovo]], [[War in Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], [[The Troubles|Northern Ireland]] and the ongoing conflicts in [[War in Afghanistan (2001-present)|Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq War|Iraq]]. After the service, there is a parade of veterans, who also lay wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph as they pass, and a salute is taken by a member of the Royal Family at Horse Guards Parade.
[[Image:Wpdms republic of texas.svg|thumb|left|Republic of Texas. The present-day outlines of the U.S. states are superimposed on the boundaries of 1836–1845]]
On March 2, 1836, the [[Convention of 1836]] signed a [[Texas Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]].<ref name="TXDecofInd">{{cite web|url=http://www.lsjunction.com/docs/tdoi.htm |title=The Texas Declaration of Independence|accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher=Lone Star Junction}}</ref><ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=CC/mjc12|name=Convention of 1836}}</ref> On April 21, 1836, the Texans&mdash;led by General [[Sam Houston]]&mdash;won their independence at the [[Battle of San Jacinto]]. Santa Anna's capture led to the [[Treaties of Velasco]]. Mexico repudiated the treaties and vowed to reconquer Texas. Later in 1836, the Texans adopted a [[Constitution of the Republic of Texas|constitution]] that formally legalized slavery. The [[Republic of Texas]] included the area of the present state of Texas, and additional unoccupied territory to the west and northwest.<ref name="HBOT REV"/>


==Outside the Commonwealth==
Most Texans wanted their Republic to be [[Texas Annexation|annexed]] into the United States. Events such as the [[Dawson Massacre]] and two recaptures of Béxar in Texas of 1842 added momentum to the desire for statehood.<ref>{{Harvard reference |Surname1=Calvert |Given1=R. |Surname2=De Léon |Given2=A. |Surname3=Cantrell |Given3=G. |Title=The History of Texas |Publisher=Harlan Davidson |Place=Wheeling, Illinois |Year=2002 }}</ref> However, strong [[Abolitionism#United_States|abolitionist]] opposition to adding a [[slave state]] blocked Texas's admission until pro-annexation [[James K. Polk]] won the [[United States presidential election, 1844|election of 1844]]. On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted to the U.S. as a constituent [[U.S. State|state]] of the Union.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=AA/mga2|name=Annexation}}</ref> The [[Mexican–American War]] followed, with decisive victories by the U.S.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=MM/qdm2|name=Mexican War}}</ref> Texas's boundaries were set at their present form after the [[Compromise of 1850]]. Land which later became half of present day [[New Mexico]], a third of [[Colorado]], and small portions of [[Kansas]], [[Oklahoma]], and [[Wyoming]], was ceded for the federal government's assumption of $10 million of the old republic's debt.<ref name="comp1850">{{Handbook of Texas|id=CC/nbc2|name=Compromise of 1850}}</ref> Post-war Texas grew rapidly as migrants poured into the cotton lands of the state.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=CC/afc3|name=Cotton Culture}}</ref>


=== Republic of Ireland ===
[[Image:Glory to the defeated - dignified resignation.jpg|right|thumb|Civil war monument in [[Galveston, Texas]]]]
In the [[Republic of Ireland]], Armistice or Remembrance Day is not a public holiday or a day generally observed, although it is observed by the Republic’s citizens who are serving or who have served in the [[British Armed Forces]]<ref>http://www.irishtimes.com/focus/thesomme/p7top.htm</ref> and the wider Irish [[Protestant]] communuity as part of their traditon and heritage<ref>http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/index.asp?docID=2744</ref><ref>http://www.stmaelruains.ie/2007/10/remembrance-day.html</ref>.
The Republic is a [[neutral state]] and has its own small army which is involved in [[UN peacekeeping]] missions; citizens of the Republic of Ireland still enlist in the British Army<ref>http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/north-and-south-of-ireland-fighting-the-taliban-together-13922458.html</ref><ref>http://www.independent.ie/national-news/irish-soldier-killed-in-bomb-blast-told-of-afghan-fears-1470617.html</ref>.
The [[Irish National War Memorial Gardens]] is an Irish war memorial in Dublin dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who were killed in action in [[World War 1]]<ref>http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/index.asp?docID=2746</ref>.
[[Remembrance Sunday]] is marked in the Republic by a ceremony in [[St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin]], in which the [[President of Ireland]] attends<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1650036.stm</ref><ref>http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kfcwauqlaukf/</ref><ref>http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1111/6news_av.html?2307800,null,230</ref>.


===United States===
===Civil War and Reconstruction===
[[Veterans Day]] is commemorated in the [[United States]] on [[11 November]], and is both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states. However, the function of the observance elsewhere is more closely matched by [[Memorial Day]] in May. In the United States, and some other allied nations, [[11 November]] was formerly known as [[Armistice Day]]; in the United States it was given its new name after the end of World War II. Most schools, particularly more [[middle schools|middle]] and [[high school]]s than some [[elementary school]]s, throughout the U.S. usually hold assemblies on a school day prior, with various presentations recognizing teachers and staff members who served in one of the five branches of the [[United States Armed Forces]], as well as remembering the U.S. troops who died in past and present wars, and some patriotic music by a school choir, band and/or orchestra, including songs from a musical used as a tribute to the troops (e.g. "Bring Him Home" from ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'').
{{main|Texas in the American Civil War}}
The state was accepted as a charter member of the [[Confederate States of America]] on March 1, 1861.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=SS/mjs1|name=Secession Convention}}</ref><ref name="facts"/> During the [[American Civil War]], Texas was a "supply state" for the Confederate forces due to its distance from the front lines, contributing men, especially cavalry. Texan regiments fought in every major battle throughout the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texascivilwarmuseum.com/index.htm|title=Texas Civil War Museum|accessdate=2006-09-03}}</ref> In mid-1863 the Union capture of the [[Mississippi River]] cut Texas supply lines to the eastern parts of the Confederacy. The last battle of the Civil War was fought in Texas at [[Battle of Palmito Ranch|Palmito Ranch]] on May 13, 1865.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=PP/qfp1|name=Battle of Palmito Ranch}}</ref>


=== Germany ===
Texas descended into anarchy two months between the [[Battle of Appomattox Courthouse|surrender]] of the [[Army of Northern Virginia]] and the assumption of authority by Union General [[Gordon Granger]]. Violence also marked the early months of [[Reconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]].<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=CC/qdc2|name=Civil War}}</ref> [[Juneteenth]] commemorates the announcement of the [[Emancipation Proclamation]] on June 19, 1865 in Galveston by General Gordon Granger, over 2-1/2 years after the original announcement.<ref name="BarriersVoting">{{cite web |title=Historical Barriers to Voting |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/vce/0503.html|format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-11}}</ref><ref name="Juneteenth">{{Handbook of Texas|id=JJ/lkj1|name=Juneteenth}}</ref> President Johnson, on August 20, 1866, declared that civilian government had been restored to Texas.<ref name="readmission">{{citation |last=Johnson |first=Andrew |author-link =Andrew Johnson |date =[[1866-08-20]] |year=1866 |title=Proclamation Declaring the Insurrection at an End |series =American Historical Documents |publisher=[[President of the United States]] |url=http://www.bartleby.com/43/42.html |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Despite not meeting reconstruction requirements, on March 30, 1870 [[United States Congress|Congress]] readmitted Texas into the [[United States|Union]].<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=RR/mzr1|name=Restoration}}</ref> Social volatility continued as the state struggled with agricultural depression and labor issues.
In [[Germany]], Armistice or Remembrance Day is unknown. Public memory of World War I in Germany is generally scarce. Moreover, [[11 November]] would be seen as an inappropriate date for such a holiday, as it traditionally marks the beginning of the German [[carnival]]. However, ''[[Volkstrauertag]]'' is commemorated. Originally this was on the fifth Sunday before Easter, but since 1952, has been celebrated two Sundays before the beginning of [[Advent]]. It has never been celebrated in the church since both the major German churches have their own festivals for commemorating the dead ([[All Souls Day]] in the case of the Roman Catholic church, ''Ewigkeitssonntag'', or "Eternity Sunday" in the case of the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] church. Both festivals also fall in November.) {{Facts|date=November 2007}}


=== Anglican and Roman Catholics ===
===Modern era===
For [[Anglican]] and [[Roman Catholic]] [[Christianity|Christians]], there is a coincidental but appropriate overlap of Remembrance Day with the feast of [[St. Martin's Day|St. Martin of Tours]], a saint famous for putting aside his life as a soldier and turning to the peace-filled life of a monk. Statues or images associated with St. Martin are for this reason sometimes used as symbols of Remembrance Day in religious contexts (e.g., the Anglican Cathedral of Montreal).
[[Image:Lucas gusher.jpg|thumb|right|[[Spindletop]]]]
The first major oil well in Texas was [[Spindletop]], south of [[Beaumont]], on January 10, 1901. Other fields were later discovered nearby in [[East Texas]], [[West Texas]], and under the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. The resulting “Oil Boom” permanently transformed the economy of Texas.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=SS/dos3|name=Spindletop Oilfield}}</ref> Oil production eventually averaged three million barrels of oil per day at its peak in 1972.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=OO/doogz|name=Oil and Gas Industry}}</ref>


==Poppies==
The economy, significantly improved since the civil war, was dealt a double blow by [[the Great Depression]] and the [[Dust Bowl]]. Migrants abandoned the worst hit sections of Texas during the Dust Bowl years. Especially from this period on, blacks left Texas in the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] to get work in the [[Northern United States]] or [[California]] and to escape the oppression of segregation.<ref name=TX&GreatMigration>{{Handbook of Texas |id=AA/pkaan |name=African Americans}} accessed = [[2008]]-[[04-27]]</ref> With increased immigration from other sources, although the numbers of African Americans increased, their proportion of population decreased from 20.4 percent in 1900 to 12.4 percent in 1960.<ref name=TX&GreatMigration/>
[[Image:RemembrancePoppies.jpg|thumb|right|Wreaths of artificial [[corn poppy|poppies]] used as a symbol of remembrance.]]
[[Image:Remebrance poppy ww2 section of Aust war memorial.jpg|thumb|Poppies are sold every year as an act of remembrance to fallen soldiers at war.]]


The [[poppy]]'s significance to Remembrance Day is a result of Canadian military physician [[John McCrae]]'s poem ''[[In Flanders Fields]]''. The poppy emblem was chosen because of the poppies that bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of [[Flanders]] in [[World War I]], their red colour an appropriate symbol for the bloodshed of [[trench warfare]]. A Frenchwoman, [[Anna E. Guérin]], introduced the widely used artificial poppies given out today. Some people choose to wear [[White poppy|white poppies]], which emphasises a desire for peaceful alternatives to military action.
From 1950 through the 1960s, Texas modernized and expanded its [[Education in Texas#Colleges and universities|system of higher education]]. Under the leadership of Governor [[John B. Connally]], the state created a long-range plan for higher education, a different distribution of resources, and a central state apparatus designed to manage state institutions more efficiently. These changes helped Texas universities receive federal research funds during the [[John F. Kennedy|Kennedy]] and [[Lyndon B. Johnson|Johnson]] administrations.<ref>Blanton, Carlos Kevin. "The Campus and the Capitol: John B. Connally and the Struggle over Texas Higher Education Policy, 1950-1970" ''Southwestern Historical Quarterly'' 2005 108(4): 468-497. ISSN 0038-478X</ref>


==Geography==
===Canada===
In Canadian tradition, the poppy is worn by many members of society during the two weeks prior to [[November 11]]. Until 1996, poppies were made by disabled veterans in [[Canada]], but they have since been made by a private contractor.<ref>http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/campaign_e.cfm</ref>
{{main|Geography of Texas|List of geographical regions in Texas}}
[[Image:El Capitan base 2005-03-12.jpg|thumb|left|[[El Capitan (Texas)|El Capitán]]]]
Texas is located at the southernmost part of the [[Great Plains]], which ends in the south against the folded [[Sierra Madre Oriental]] of Mexico. It is in the [[South Central United States|south-central]] part of the United States of America. The state has been categorized as part of the [[Southern United States|U.S. South]] and also part of the [[Southwestern United States|U.S. Southwest]].


===United Kingdom===
The [[Rio Grande]], [[Red River (Mississippi watershed)|Red River]] and [[Sabine River (Texas-Louisiana)|Sabine River]] are natural state [[border]]s, [[Oklahoma]] on the north, [[Louisiana]] and [[Arkansas]] on the east, & the [[Mexico|Mexican]] states of [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]], [[Coahuila]], [[Nuevo León]], and [[Tamaulipas]] to the south. In the west and north, its borders with New Mexico and Oklahoma are not based on natural features of terrain. The state's [[Texas Panhandle]] has an eastern border with Oklahoma at [[100th meridian west|100° W]], a northern border with Oklahoma at [[36°30' parallel north|36°30' N]] and a western border with New Mexico at [[103rd meridian west|103° W]]. The state's western tip is in [[El Paso]] at the [[32nd parallel north]] and the [[Rio Grande]].<ref name="comp1850"/>
In [[England]], [[Wales]], and [[Northern Ireland]] the poppies are the flat [[Earl Haig]] variety with a leaf. Wearers require a separate pin to attach the poppy to their clothing.
In [[Northern Ireland]], because the poppy honours soldiers in the [[British Army]] and due to [[The Troubles]], it is worn primarily by members of the [[Unionist]] and the Irish [[Protestant]] community.


===Poppy variations===
Because of its size and unique history, the regional affiliation of Texas is debatable. Depending on the source, it can be fairly considered either or both a Southern or Southwestern state. The vast geographic, economic, and cultural diversity within the state itself prohibits easy categorization of the whole state into a [[List of regions of the United States|recognized region of the United States]]. The East, Central, and North Texas, regions have a stronger association with the American South than with the Southwest. Others, such as far West Texas and South Texas share more similarities with the latter.
In [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Scotland]] the poppies are curled at the petals with no leaf. The [[Canadian]] poppies consist of two pieces and a pin to attach them to clothing. The head portion of the pin is bent at an angle in a simple unusual design that requires a unique machine at manufacturing. For many years the centre of the Canadian poppy was both black and green (from two small concentric circles made of felt - the outer was green and the inner was black); current designs are black only.


In [[Sri Lanka]] in the inter-war years, there were rival sales of yellow ''Suriya'' ([[portia tree]]) flowers by the [[Suriya-Mal Movement]] on Remembrance Day, since funds from poppy sales were not used for Sri Lankan [[ex-service]] personnel but were repatriated to Britain. However, nowadays poppy sales are used for indigenous ex-service personnel who have been disabled in the ongoing [[Sri Lankan Civil War|civil war]].
===Geology===
{{main|Geology of Texas}}
[[Image:LlanoEstacadoShadedRelief.jpg|thumb|right|Shaded Relief Map of the [[Llano Estacado]]]]
Texas is the southernmost part of the [[Great Plains]], which ends in the south against the folded [[Sierra Madre Occidental]] of Mexico. The [[continental crust]] here is a stable [[Mesoproterozoic]] [[craton]] which changes across a broad continental margin and transitional crust into true [[oceanic crust]] of the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. The oldest rocks in Texas date from the Mesoproterozoic and are about 1,600 million years old. These [[Precambrian]] [[igneous]] and [[metamorphic]] rocks underlie most of the state, and are exposed in three places: [[Llano, Texas|Llano]] uplift, [[Van Horn, Texas|Van Horn]], and the [[Franklin Mountains (Texas)|Franklin Mountains]], near [[El Paso]]. This is overlain by mostly [[sedimentary rocks]]. The oldest sediments were deposited on the flanks of a rifted continental margin, or [[passive margin]] that developed during [[Cambrian]] time. This margin existed until [[Laurasia]] and [[Gondwana]] collided in the [[Pennsylvanian]] era to form [[Pangea]]. This is the buried crest of the [[Appalachian Mountains]]&mdash;[[Ouachita Mountains]] zone of [[Pennsylvanian]] [[continental collision]]. This [[orogeny|orogenic]] crest is today buried beneath the [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]]&mdash;[[Waco, Texas|Waco]]&mdash;[[Austin, Texas|Austin]]&mdash;[[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] trend.


==Name==
The late [[Paleozoic]] mountains collapsed as [[rifting]] in the [[Jurassic]] era began to open the Gulf of Mexico. Pangea began to break up in the [[Triassic]] but [[seafloor spreading]] to form the [[Gulf of Mexico]] occurred only in the mid and late [[Jurassic]]. The shoreline shifted again to the eastern margin of the state and the Gulf of Mexico [[passive margin]] began to form. Today there are {{convert|9|mi|km|0}} to {{convert|12|mi|km|0|}} of sediments buried beneath the Texas continental shelf and a large proportion of remaining US [[Petroleum|oil]] reserves are to be found here. At the start of its formation, the incipient Gulf of Mexico basin was restricted and seawater often evaporated completely to form thick [[evaporite]] deposits of [[Jurassic]] age. These salt deposits formed what are known as [[salt dome]] [[diapir]]s, and can be found in East Texas, along the Gulf coast.<ref>Muzzafar, Asif. ''Timing of Diapir Growth and Cap Rock Formation, Davis Hill Salt Dome, Coastal Texas'' [http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2001AM/finalprogram/abstract_24852.htm] The Geological Society of America. (accessed July 22, 2008)</ref>


"Remembrance Day" is the primary designation for the day in many [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries such as [[Australia]] and [[Canada]]. However, "[[Armistice Day]]" also remains, often to differentiate the event from [[Remembrance Sunday]], and is the primary designation used in [[New Zealand]] and [[France]].
East Texas outcrops consist of [[Cretaceous]] and [[Paleogene]] sediments with contain important deposits of [[Eocene]][[lignite]]. [[Petroleum|Oil]] is found in the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian sediments in the north, Permian sediments in the west, Cretaceous sediments in the east, and along the Gulf coast and out on the Texas [[continental shelf]]. [[Oligocene]] [[volcanic]] rocks are found in far west Texas, in the [[Big Bend, Texas|Big Bend]] area. A blanket of [[Miocene]] sediments known as the [[Ogallala Aquifer|Ogallala formation]] in the western high plains region is an important [[aquifer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.npwd.org/new_page_2.htm |title=Ogallala Aquifer|accessdate=2008-07-23 |publisher=North Plains Groundwater Conservation District}}</ref> Texas has no volcanoes and few earthquakes, being situated far from an active [[plate tectonic]] boundary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ig.utexas.edu/research/projects/eq/compendium/earthquakes.htm |title=Earthquakes |accessdate=2008-07-23 |publisher=Jackson School of Geosciences - University of Texas at Austin}}</ref>


"Poppy Day" is also a popular term used, particularly in [[Malta]] and [[South Africa]]. [[Veterans Day]] also falls upon this day in the [[United States]], yet many other allied nations have quite different Veterans Days.
==Climate==
{{main article|Climate of Texas}}
[[Image:Palm Trees and Snow.jpg|thumb|left|[[2004 Christmas Eve Snowstorm]] in South Texas]]
The large size of Texas and its location at the intersection of multiple [[Köppen climate classification|climate zones]] gives the state very variable weather.


==See also==
The Panhandle of the state is colder in winter than North Texas, while the Gulf Coast has mild winters. Texas has wide variations in precipitation patterns. El Paso, on the western end of the state, averages as little as {{convert|8|in|mm}} of annual rainfall while Houston, on the southeast Texas averages as much as {{convert|54|in|mm}} per year.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=WW/msf1|name=Weather}}</ref> Dallas in the North Central region averages a more moderate {{convert|37|in|mm}} per year. Snowfall often falls in the winter months in the north. Maximum temperatures in the summer months average from the 80s °[[Fahrenheit|F]] (26 °[[Celsius|C]]) in the mountains of West Texas and on [[Galveston Island]] to around {{convert|100|°F|°C|0|lk=on}} in the [[Rio Grande Valley]]. Night time summer temperatures range from the upper 50s °F (14 °C) in the West Texas mountains<ref>[http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USTX0830?from=search Monthly Averages for Marfa, TX] weather.com</ref> to {{convert|80|°F|°C|0}} in Galveston.<ref>[http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USTX0499?from=search Monthly Averages for Galveston, TX]. weather.com.</ref>
* [[Armistice with Germany (Compiègne)]]
* [[Hari Pahlawan]]
* [[Veterans Day]]
* [[Unknown Warrior]]
* [[Remembrance Sunday]]
* ''[[In Flanders Fields]]'' (poem by John McCrae)
* [[Royal Canadian Legion]]
* [[Veterans' Bill of Rights]]
* [[Returned & Services League of Australia]]
* [[Haig Fund|Earl Haig Fund]]
* [[Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association]]
* [[Anzac Day]]
* [[Ode of Remembrance]]
* [[Remembrance Day Bombing]]
* [[Armistice Day]]
* [[White Poppy]]
* [[Volkstrauertag]]
* [[Collective memory]]


==External links==
[[Thunderstorms]] are very common in Texas, especially the eastern and northern portion of the state. Texas is part of the [[Tornado Alley]] section of the country. The state experiences the most [[tornado]]es in the Union, an average of 139 a year. These strike most frequently in North Texas and the Panhandle.<ref name="Annual average number of tornadoes"> [http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/img/climate/research/tornado/small/avgt5304.gif nooa.gov] National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved on October 24, 2006.</ref> Tornadoes in Texas generally occur in the months of April, May, and June.<ref name="TexasWeather">{{Handbook of Texas|id=WW/yzw1|name=Weather}} Accessed [[2008]]-[[07-22]]</ref>
{{commonscat|Remembrance Day (Canada)}}
{{commonscat|Remembrance Day (United Kingdom)}}
*[http://www.rsa.org.nz/remem/poppy_hist.html The History of Poppy Day]
*[http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=783036405832086511&hl=en-GB Video record of Remembrance day rituals 2005 in South London]
*[http://www.poppy.org The Poppy Appeal]


==Notes==
[[Image:Galveston - 1900 wreckage.jpg|thumb|right|Damage from the [[1900 Galveston hurricane]], the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, was extensive.]]
{{reflist}}
Some of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history have impacted Texas. A hurricane in 1875 killed approximately 400 people in [[Indianola, Texas|Indianola]], followed by [[Indianola Hurricane of 1886|another hurricane]] in 1886 that destroyed the town, which was at the time the most important port city in the state. This allowed [[Galveston, Texas|Galveston]] to take over as the chief port city, but it was subsequently devastated by [[Galveston hurricane of 1900|a hurricane]] in 1900 that killed approximately 8,000 people (possibly as many as 12,000), making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Other devastating Texas hurricanes include the [[1915 Galveston Hurricane]], [[Hurricane Audrey]] in 1957, which killed over 600 people, [[Hurricane Carla]] in 1961, [[Hurricane Beulah]] in 1967, [[Hurricane Alicia]] in 1983, [[Hurricane Rita]] in 2005, and [[Hurricane Ike]] in 2008.<ref name="deadhurr">{{cite web| last = Blake| first = Eric S.| coauthors = Rappaport, Edward N., Landsea, Christopher W.| title = The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones From 1851 to 2006| publisher = National Weather Service: National Hurricane Center| date = [[2007-04-15]]| url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/NWS-TPC-5.pdf| format = PDF| accessdate = 2008-10-02}}</ref>
6. "The Origin of the Two Minutes of Silence,"in ''Our Empire,'' vol. VI, no 8, 1931, p. 27.

Texas emits the most [[greenhouse gas]]es in the US.<ref name="GH1">{{cite news|title=Blame Coal: Texas Leads in Overall Emissions|author=Borenstein, Seth|publisher=USA Today|date=04-06-2007|url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-06-04-state-emissions_N.htm|accessdate=2007-06-06}}</ref><ref name="GH2">{{cite news |title=Texas No. 1 producer of greenhouse gases |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/060307dnnatemissions.3c1df3a.html |work=Associated Press |publisher=Dallas Morning News |date=[[2007-06-03]]|accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref> The state's annual carbon dioxide emissions are nearly 1.5 trillion pounds (680 billion kg). Texas would be the world's seventh-largest producer of greenhouse gases if it were an independent nation.<ref name="GH2"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Five Cities that Need help Getting Green|author=MSN City Guides|url=http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/greenslideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=4848635&imageindex=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Approaches, Challenges, Potentials: Renewable Energy and Climate Change Policies in U.S. States|author=Heinrich Boll Foundation North America|date=2003-12|url=http://www.cleanenergyfunds.org/international/downloads/RE_Publication_Online.pdf}}</ref> The primary factors in Texas's greenhouse gas emissions is the state's large number of [[Fossil fuel power plant|coal power plants]] and the state's refining and manufacturing industries which provides the bulk of the United States's petroleum products.<ref name="GH2"/>

==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Texas}}
[[Image:Houston International Festival.jpg|thumb|right|The annual Houston International Festival spotlights a different culture each year]]
[[Image:Texas population map.png|thumb|right|Texas Population Density Map]]
As of 2006, the state has an estimated population of 23,507,783, an increase of 2.5% from the prior year and 12.7% since the year 2000. The natural increase since the last census was 1,389,275 people, [[Immigration to the United States|immigration]] from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 801,576 people, and migration within the country produced a net increase of 451,910 people.<ref name="facts"/> As of 2004, the state had 3.5 million foreign-born residents (15.6 percent of the state population), of which an estimated 1.2 million are [[Illegal immigration to the United States|illegal immigrants]]. Texas from 2000&ndash;2006 had the fastest growing illegal immigration rate in the nation.<ref name="CausesHealthcare"/> Texas also is one of the receiving states of black college graduates in the [[New Great Migration]] - the return of African Americans to the South.

===Racial group and ethnic origins===
As of the 2006 US Census estimates, the racial and ethnic distribution in Texas are as follows:
*48.9% [[White non-Hispanic]]
**[[German American|German]] (10.9%)
**[[English American|English]] (7.2%)
**[[Scots-Irish American|Scots-Irish]] (7.2%)
*11.6% [[African American]]
*3.3% [[Asian American]]
*0.6% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]]
*13% other racial groups

*35.7 total [[Hispanic]] or [[Latino]]<ref name="Census2"/>
**21.0% [[White Hispanic]]

Much of central and southeast-central Texas is inhabited by German descendants. Because of a strong labor market, from 1995&ndash;2000, Texas is one of three states in the South that are receiving the high numbers of black college graduates in a [[New Great Migration]].<ref name="blackmigration">[http://www.brookings.edu/urban/pubs/20040524_Frey.pdf William H. Frey, "The New Great Migration: Black Americans' Return to the South, 1965-2000", May 2004, The Brookings Institution, p.1], accessed March 19, 2008</ref> Recently, the [[Asian American|Asian]] population in Texas has grown&mdash;primarily in Houston and Dallas.

Over one-third of Texas residents are of [[Hispanic]] origin;<ref name="Census2"/> many are recently arrived, while some [[Tejanos]] have ancestors with multigenerational ties to the 18th century in Texas.

[[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]] tribes who once lived inside the boundaries of present-day Texas include [[Apache Tribe|Apache]], [[Atakapan]], [[Bidai]], [[Caddo]], [[Comanche]], [[Cherokee]], [[Kiowa]], [[Tonkawa]], [[Wichita (tribe)|Wichita]], Hueco and the [[Karankawa]] of [[Galveston]]. Currently, there are three federally recognized Native American tribes that reside in Texas: the [[Alabama-Coushatta]] Tribe, the [[Kickapoo]] Traditional Tribe, and the [[Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo]].<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=II/bzi4|name=Native Americans}}</ref>

===Religion===
[[Image:Lakewood1.jpg|thumb|Lakewood Church interior]]
Texas is a part of the socially conservative [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] [[Protestant]] [[Bible Belt]], and has the highest percentage of people with a religious affiliation in the United States.<ref name="abstinence">{{citation |last=Connolly |first=Ceci |date =[[2003-01-21]] |year=2003 |title=Texas Teaches Abstinence, With Mixed Grades |publisher=Washington Post |url=http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=12589&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |accessdate=2008-04-28 |pages=A01}}</ref> [[Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas]] is home to three major evangelical seminaries and several [[megachurches]], including [[Fellowship Church]], [[T. D. Jakes|Potter's House]] and [[Prestonwood Baptist Church]]. Houston is home to the largest "church" in the nation, [[Lakewood Church]]. [[Lubbock, Texas]] has the most churches per capita in the nation.<ref name="abstinence"/>

In 2000, the religious demographics of Texas were:<ref name="religion">{{cite web |url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/48_2000.asp |title=State Membership Report - Texas|publisher=Association of Religion Data Archives|accessdate=2008-02-12}}</ref>

* [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] [[Protestant]]{{ndash}} 24.4%
* [[Mainline Protestant]]{{ndash}} 8.1%
* [[Roman Catholic]]{{ndash}} 21.0%
* [[Orthodox]]{{ndash}} 0.1%
* [[Hindu]], [[Sikh]], [[Buddhist]], [[Muslim]], others; 2.0%
* Unclaimed{{ndash}} 44.5%

The largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000 were the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with 4,368,969; the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] with 3,519,459; and the [[United Methodist Church]] with 1,022,342.<ref name="religion"/> Also, there are approximately 400,000 [[Muslims]] in Texas.<ref name="MuslimPopulation">{{cite web |title=Turning Muslim in Texas |work=Faith and Belief |publisher=Channel4.com |url=http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/C/can_you_believe_it/debates/texas1.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

===Cities and towns===
{{see also|List of cities in Texas|List of Texas metropolitan areas|Population of Texas cities in 2000}}
[[Image:Dallas Downtown.jpg|thumb|left|Dallas]]

As of 2000, six incorporated places in Texas had populations greater than 500,000, of which two are [[global city|global cities]]: Houston and Dallas.<ref name="worldcities">{{cite web |title=Inventory of World Cities |publisher=Globalization and World Cities Research Network |year =2008 |url=http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/citylist.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Texas has a total of [[List of Texas metropolitan areas|25 metropolitan areas]], with four having populations over 1 million and two over 5 million. Texas has three cities with populations exceeding 1 million: Houston, San&nbsp;Antonio, and Dallas. This is the most cities of this size within one state.<ref name=PopEstBigCities>{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2006-01.csv |title=Table 1: Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places Over 100,000, Ranked by July 1, 2006 Population: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 |format=[[comma-separated values|CSV]] |work=2005 Population Estimates |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division |date=[[2008-06-10]] |accessdate=2008-06-10 }}</ref> These three are also among the 10 largest cities of the United States. [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], Fort&nbsp;Worth, and El Paso are also among the top 25 largest U.S. cities.<ref>[[List of United States cities by population]]</ref> The [[Texas Urban Triangle]] is a region defined by three [[Interstate Highway System|interstate highways]]{{ndash}} [[Interstate 35 (Texas)|I-35]] to the west (Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio), [[Interstate 45 (Texas)|I-45]] to the east (Dallas to Houston), and [[Interstate 10 (Texas)|I-10]] to the south (San Antonio to Houston). The region contains most of the state's largest cities and [[List of Texas metropolitan areas|metropolitan areas]], as well as nearly 75 percent of Texas's total population.<ref>[http://swutc.tamu.edu/projectdescriptions/167166.htm Texas Urban Triangle]{{ndash}} Southwest Region University Transportation Center (SWUTC)</ref>

===Colonias===
[[Colonia (border settlement)|Colonias]] are rural, unincorporated settlements which often lack basic [[infrastructure]] and which are marked by [[poverty]]. As of 2007, Texas has the largest concentration of people, approximately 400,000, living in colonias in the U.S. <ref>"[http://www.sos.state.tx.us/border/colonias/faqs.shtml Colonias FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)]," ''[[Texas Secretary of State]]''</ref> There are at least 2300 Texas colonias, located primarily along the state's {{convert|1248|mi|km|sing=on}} border with Mexico.

==Government and politics==
The [[Texas Constitution]], adopted in 1876, like many [[State constitution (United States)|state constitutions]], explicitly provides separation of powers. The state's Bill of Rights has provisions unique to Texas and is considerably longer than its federal [[United States Bill of Rights|counterpart]].<ref name="BillofRights">{{cite web |title=Bill of Rights (Article 1} |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/cons/0402.html|format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-11}}</ref>

===State government===
{{main|Government of Texas}}
{{see also|List of Texas state agencies}}
[[Image:Texas capitol day.jpg|left|thumb|[[Texas State Capitol]]]]
Texas has a plural [[executive branch]] system which limits the power of the Governor. Except for the [[Secretary of State of Texas|Secretary of State]], all executive officers are elected independently making them directly answerable to the public, not the Governor.<ref name="pluralexec">{{citation|year=2005|title=The Plural Executive|publisher=[[University of Texas at Austin]]|url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/exec/0900.html |accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Past executive branches have been split between parties. When [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] President [[George W. Bush]] served as Texas's governor, the state's Lieutenant Governor, [[Bob Bullock]], was a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]]. The [[executive branch]] positions consists of the [[List of Governors of Texas|Governor]], [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas|Lieutenant Governor]], Comptroller of Public Accounts, Land Commissioner, Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner, the three-member [[Texas Railroad Commission]], the State Board of Education, and the Secretary of State.<ref name="pluralexec"/>

The [[bicameral]] [[Texas Legislature]] consists of the [[Texas House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], with 150 members, and a [[Texas Senate|Senate]], with 31 members. The [[Speaker of the House]] leads the House, and the Lieutenant Governor leads the Senate.<ref name="Legislature Members">{{citation|year=2005|title=Membership|publisher=[[University of Texas at Austin]]|url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/leg/0204.html |accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The Legislature meets in regular session biennially, but the Governor can call for special sessions as often as desired.<ref name="Special Sessions">{{citation|year=2005|title=Special Sessions|publisher=[[University of Texas at Austin]]|url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/leg/0202.html |accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The state's [[fiscal year]] is from the previous calendar year's September 1 through the current year August 31. Thus, FY 2008 is from September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

===Judicial system===
{{main|Texas judicial system}}
The judicial system of Texas is one of the most complex in the United States, with many layers and overlapping jurisdictions. Texas has two courts of last resort: the [[Texas Supreme Court]], for civil cases, and the [[Texas Court of Criminal Appeals]]. Except for some municipal benches, partisan elections select judges at all levels of the judiciary; the Governor fills vacancies by appointment.<ref name="Judiciary">{{Handbook of Texas|id=JJ/msf1|name=Judiciary}}</ref> Texas leads the nation in executions, 400, from 1982 to 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082202542.html|title=Texas Executes 400th Inmate|publisher=''[[The Washington Post]]''|accessdate=2007-08-22|date=2007-08-22|author=Graczyk, Michael}}</ref> Only [[capital murder]] is eligible for the death penalty. Known for their role in Texas law enforcement history, the [[Texas Ranger Division]] of the [[Texas Department of Public Safety]] continue to provide special law enforcement services to the state.

===Politics===
{{main|Politics of Texas}}
{{see also|Republican Party of Texas|Texas Democratic Party}}
[[Image:Lbj2.jpg|right|thumb|[[Lyndon B. Johnson]], Texan and 36th president of the United States]]
Like in other [[Solid South|"Solid South"]] states, whites resented the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] after the [[American Civil War]]. After regaining power near the end of Reconstruction, the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] held a monolithic political presence in Texas until the late 20th century. When President [[Lyndon Johnson]] signed the [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]], he reportedly said "We have lost the South for a generation".<ref name="SouthWon">{{citation |last=Risen |first=Clay |date =[[2006-03-05]] |year=2006 |title=How the South was won |publisher=The Boston Globe |url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2006/03/05/how_the_south_was_won/ |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref> Scholars attribute the change to the success of Nixon's [[Southern Strategy]].

Today, Republicans control most of Texas's [[U.S. House of Representatives]] delegation, and both [[U.S. Senators]]. Of the 32 [[Texas Congressional Districts|congressional districts in Texas]], 19 seats are held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats. Texas' Senators are [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] and [[John Cornyn]]. Since 1994, Texans have not elected a Democrat to a statewide office. The state's Democratic presence is primarily [[minority groups]] and urban voters, particularly in [[Austin, Texas|Austin]].

The Texas political atmosphere leans towards [[fiscal conservatism|fiscal]] and [[social conservatism]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Political Culture - Introduction |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/cult/index.html |format= |accessdate=2008-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Political Culture - Low Taxes, Low Services Political Culture |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/cult/0201.html |format= |accessdate=2008-05-29}}</ref> Since 1980, most of Texas voters have supported Republican Presidential candidates. In 2000 and 2004, Republican [[George W. Bush]] won Texas with 60.1% of the vote. He was a "favorite son" as a recent Governor of the state. [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] consistently leans Democratic in both local and statewide elections. [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] is among the few urban areas that consistently vote Republican, but its metropolitan areas are very divided politically. [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]] remains approximately split. Counties along the Rio Grande often vote Democratic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=2000&fips=48&f=1&off=0&elect=0 |title=2000 Presidential General Election Results - Texas |publisher=www.uselectionatlas.org |accessdate=2008-07-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=2004&fips=48&f=1&off=0&elect=0 |title=2004 Presidential General Election Results - Texas |publisher=www.uselectionatlas.org |accessdate=2007-07-22}}</ref>

===Administrative divisions===
[[Image:Texas counties map.gif|right|thumb|Map outlining 254 counties of Texas]]
{{see also|List of Texas counties|List of United States congressional districts#Texas}}
Texas has 32 [[Texas Congressional Districts|congressional districts]], the second-most after California. There are 254 [[Counties of the United States|counties]]&mdash;the most nationwide. Each county is run by a [[Commissioners' Court]] consisting of four elected commissioners and a county judge. County government is similar to a "weak" [[mayor-council]] system; the county judge has no veto authority, but votes along with the other commissioners.

Texas does not allow consolidated city-county governments, nor does it have [[metropolitan government]]s. Cities and counties are permitted to enter "interlocal agreements" to share services. Further, counties are not granted [[home rule]] status; their powers are strictly defined by state law. The state does not have [[townships]]&mdash; areas within a county are either incorporated or unincorporated. Incorporated areas are part of a municipality. The county provides limited services to unincorporated areas. Municipalities are classified as either "general law" or "[[home rule]]".<ref name="homerule">McDonald, John V. , "An Analysis of Texas' Municipal Home Rule Charters Since 1994" (2000). Applied Research Projects. Paper 124. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/124</ref> A municipality may elect home rule status once it exceeds 5,000 population with voter approval. Municipal elections in Texas are [[nonpartisan]].<ref name="reqvote">{{cite web |title=Run for Party Nomination to Public Office |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/4_6_2.html|format=HTML |accessdate=2008-10-12}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[Image:NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Astronaut Training.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Johnson Space Center]]]]
{{main|Economy of Texas}}
Texas's large population, its abundance of natural resources, and diverse population and geography has led the state to have a large and highly diverse economy. Since the discovery of oil, the state's economy reflected the state of the [[petroleum]] industry. In recent times, urban centers of the state have diversified employing two-thirds of the population in 2005. Growth in the state's economy has led to problems associated with [[urban sprawl]].<ref name="economy1">{{cite web |title=Economic Geography |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/pec/0302.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref>

In the fourth quarter of 2006, Texas had a [[gross domestic product|gross state product]] of $1.09 trillion, the [[List of U.S. states by GDP (nominal)|second]] highest in the U.S.<ref name="GSP">{{cite web |last=Combs |first=Susan |title=Gross State Product |work=Window on State Government |publisher=Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts |year =2006 |url=http://www.cpa.state.tx.us/ecodata/ecoind/ecoind5.html#product |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref><ref name="GSP2">{{cite press release |title=Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by State |publisher=Bureau of Economic Analysis |date =2006-10-26 |url=http://www.bea.gov/bea/newsrel/gspnewsrelease.htm |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> [[Gross state product]] per capita as of 2005 was $42,975. The state is home to the most [[Fortune 500]] company headquarters in the United States.<ref name="texasfortune500_1">{{citation |last=Hem |first=Brad |newspaper =Start spreadin' the news ... Texas is Fortune 500's king of the hill (with quite a bit of help from Houston) |year=2008 |date =2008-04-21 |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5719475.html
|format={{dead link|date=June 2008}}{{ndash}} <sup>[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=author%3AHem+intitle%3A&as_publication=&as_ylo=2008&as_yhi=2008&btnG=Search Scholar search]</sup>}}.</ref><ref name="texasfortune500_2">{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/states/T.html|title=Fortune 500 2006 |accessdate=2007-02-16|publisher=CNN|year=2006}}</ref>

In 2004, the ''Site Selection magazine'' ranked Texas as the most business friendly state in the nation. A big reason for this ranking is the state's three billion dollar, [[Texas Enterprise Fund]].<ref name="1businessclimate">{{citation |last=Arend |first=Mark |title=The Lone Star States Tops Business Climate Ranking |date =November, 2004 |year=2004 |url=http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2004/nov/p746/ |accessdate=2008-05-02}}.</ref>

===Agriculture and mining===
[[Image:TexasLonghornCattle.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Texas longhorn (cattle)|Texas longhorn]]]]
Texas is a productive agricultural state with the most farms both in number and acreage in the United States.<ref name="netstateecon">{{cite web |title=The Texas Economy |publisher=netstate.com |date =2007-06-05 |url=http://www.netstate.com/economy/tx_economy.htm |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref> Texas leads the nation [[livestock]] production.<ref name="netstateecon"/> Cattle the state's most valuable agricultural product, but the state also leads nationally in production of sheep and goat products. Texas is [[King Cotton|king of cotton]] leading the nation in cotton production, its leading crop and second-most-valuable farm product.<ref name="netstateecon"/> The state also is a large producer of [[cereal]] crops and [[produce]].<ref name="netstateecon"/> Texas also has a large commercial fishing industry. With mineral resources, Texas leads in creating cement, crushed stone, lime, salt, sand and gravel.<ref name="netstateecon"/>

===Energy===
[[Image:Oil well.jpg|right|thumb|An oil well]]
{{see also|Deregulation of the Texas electricity market}}
According to the [[Energy Information Administration]], Texans consume the most energy in the nation both in per capita and as a whole.<ref name="Petrol"/> Since 2002, Texas [[Deregulation of the Texas electricity market|deregulated]] its electric service.

The [[Railroad Commission of Texas]], contrary to its name, regulates the state's [[oil industry|oil and gas industry]], gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the [[liquefied petroleum gas]] industry, and surface [[coal]] and [[uranium]] mining. Until the 1970s, the commission had enormous control the price of petroleum because of its ability to regulate Texas's oil reserves. The founders of the [[Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries]] (OPEC) used the Texas agency as one of their models for petroleum price control.<ref name="RRcommission">{{Handbook of Texas |id=RR/mdr1 |name=Railroad Commission}}</ref>

The state has known [[petroleum]] deposits of about {{convert|5|Goilbbl|m3}}, which makes up approximately one-fourth of the known U.S. reserves.<ref name="Petrol"/> Texas refineries can process {{convert|4.6|Moilbbl|m3}} of oil a day.<ref name="Petrol">{{cite web |title=Texas Quick Facts |publisher=Energy Information Administration |date =|url=http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=TX|title=Petroleum Profile: Texas|accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref> As wells are depleted in the eastern portions of the state, drilling in state has moved westward.<ref name="netstateecon"/> Several [[List of petroleum companies|petroleum companies]] are based in Texas such as: [[Conoco-Phillips]], [[Exxon-Mobil]], [[Halliburton]], [[Valero Energy Corporation|Valero]], and [[Marathon Oil]].

Texas is a leader in [[natural gas]] production producing one-fourth of the nation's supply.<ref name="Petrol"/>

The state is also a leader in [[renewable energy]] sources producing the most [[wind power in Texas|wind power]] nationwide.<ref name="Petrol"/><ref name="wind2">{{citation |last=Souder |first=Elizabeth |title=Texas leads nation in wind power capacity |newspaper =[[Dallas Morning News]] |year=2007 |date =01/08 |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/011808dnbuswindpower.30c78959.html}}</ref>

===Technology===
[[Image:GodPod.jpg|right|thumb|[[Electronic Data Systems]] headquarters in [[Plano, Texas]].]]
With large universities systems coupled with initiatives like TEF and the [[Texas Emerging Technology Fund]], a wide array of different high tech industries have developed in Texas. The Austin area is nicknamed the "Silicon Hills" and the north Dallas area the "[[Silicon Prairie]]". High tech companies such as [[Dell, Inc.]], [[Texas Instruments]], [[Perot Systems]], [[AT&T]], and [[Electronic Data Systems]] (EDS) are headquartered in Texas. As for [[emerging technologies]], in 2008, FierceBiotech ranked Texas as one of the top five biotechnology states.<ref name="Biotech1">{{cite web|last=Carroll |first=John |title=Top Five Regions Targeting Biotech Companies - 2008 |publisher=FierceBiotech |date =[[2008-02-19]] |url=http://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-reports/top-five-regions-targeting-biotech-companies-2008-0 |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref>

The crown jewel of Texas's aeronautics industry is the [[Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center]], the center of the [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA), located in Southeast Houston. Both [[Lockheed Martin|Lockheed Martin's]] [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics|Aeronautics division]] and [[Bell Helicopter Textron]] are located in [[Fort Worth, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Locations |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate=2008-05-22 |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/aeronautics/about/Locations.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About Bell Helicopter |publisher=Bell Helicopter |accessdate=2008-05-22 |url=http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/}}</ref> The [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]], the largest Western fighter program is produced in Fort Worth, and its successor, the [[F-35 Lightning II]] will also be produced in Fort Worth.<ref name="Downside">{{citation |last=Rosenwald |first=Michael S. |date =[[2007-12-17]] |year=2007 |title=Downside of Dominance? |publisher=The Washington Post |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/16/AR2007121601522.html |accessdate=2008-05-22}}</ref>

===Commerce===
Texas's [[Affluence in the United States|affluence]] has led to a strong commercial sector consisting of retail, wholesale, banking and insurance, and construction industries. Examples of [[Fortune 500]] companies that are not based on Texas traditional industries are: [[AT&T]], [[Men's Warehouse]], [[Landry's Restaurants]], [[Kimberly-Clark]], [[Blockbuster]], [[Whole Foods Market]], and [[Tenet Healthcare]].<ref name="fortune500_2">{{cite web |title=Texas |publisher=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune Magazine]] |date =[[2007-04-30]] |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2007/states/TX.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref>
Nationally, the Dallas–Fort Worth area, home to the second shopping center in the United States, [[Highland Park Village]], has the most [[shopping centers]] per capita than any metropolitan area.<ref name="VisitDallas_Shopping">[http://www.visitdallas.com/shared/file.download.php?id=259 VisitDallas.com] Shopping in Dallas. Retrieved on February 20, 2007.</ref>

A large contributor to this trend is the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA). The state's largest trading partner is Mexico, which accounts for a third the state's exports. NAFTA has led to the formation of controversial [[maquiladoras]] on the Texas/Mexico border.<ref name="economy2">{{cite web|title=Recent Economic Transformations |work=Texas Politics |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu/html/pec/0303.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref>

Texas's central location within the North American continent has made it an important [[transportation hub]]. From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, 93 percent of the nation's population can be reached by truck within 48 hours, and 37 percent within 24.<ref name="JDFTransport">{{citation |title=5 Reasons To Choose the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex As A Distribution Hub |publisher=JDF Distribution |url=http://www.jdfdistribution.com/warehousing-logistics-distribution-download.asp |accessdate=2008-06-21 |format={{dead link|date=June 2008}}{{ndash}} <sup>[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=intitle%3A5+Reasons+To+Choose+the+Dallas%2FFort+Worth+Metroplex+As+A+Distribution+Hub&as_publication=&as_ylo=&as_yhi=&btnG=Search Scholar search]</sup>}}</ref> The state is also in the center of the continent's four major economic centers: [[New York City|New York]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Mexico City]], and [[Toronto]].<ref name="JDFTransport"/> Texas has the most [[Special Economic Zone|foreign trade zones]] (FTZ), in the nation, 33.<ref name="FTZ1">{{citation | publication-date = August 2007 |title=Texas and General Foreign Trade Zones Information |publisher=Office of the Governor of Texas |url=http://www.texasone.us/site/DocServer/Texas_FTZs_Document_2007.pdf?docID=2221 |accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref> In 2004 a combined total of $298 billion of goods passed though Texas FTZ's.<ref name="FTZ1"/>

==Transportation==
{{main|Transportation in Texas}}
Transportation in Texas has been difficult historically because of the state's large size and rough terrain. Texas has compensated by building both the America's largest highway and railway systems in terms of mileage as well as the largest number of airports in the nation.<ref name="AdvaTransport">{{cite web |title=Texas-Transportation |publisher=Advamag, Inc. |year =2007 |url=http://www.city-data.com/states/Texas-Transportation.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2006-05-04}}</ref> The [[Texas Department of Transportation]] (TxDOT) is the state's [[regulatory authority]], whose stated mission is to "work cooperatively to provide safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods."<ref name="texdotmission">{{cite web |title=Mission and Vision |publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]] |url=http://www.dot.state.tx.us/about_us/mission.htm |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref> Though the public face of the agency is generally associated with maintenance of the state's immense [[highway]] system, the agency is also responsible for [[aviation]] in the state,<ref name="texdotaviation">{{cite web |title=Aviation Division |publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]] |url=http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/aviation/default.htm |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref> as well as overseeing [[public transportation]] systems.<ref name="texdottransport">{{cite web |title=Transportation Division |publisher=[[Texas Department of Transportation]] |url=http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/public_transportation/default.htm |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref>

===Highways===
[[Image:45intoI-10 2.jpg|thumb|left|I-10 and I-45 interchange in Houston]]
{{main|Texas state highways}}
Texas [[freeway]]s have been heavily traveled since the 1948 opening of the [[Gulf Freeway]] in [[Houston]].<ref name="txfwy">[http://www.texasfreeway.com/Houston/photos/45s/i45s.shtml TexasFreeway{{ndash}} Interstate 45 South, the Gulf Freeway]</ref> As of 2005, there were {{convert|79535|mi|km|0}} of public highway in Texas (up from {{convert|71000|mi|km|0}} in 1984).<ref name="highwaymiles">{{cite web |title=LoneStarRoads - Highways of Texas |publisher=AARoads |date =[[2008-02-09]] |url=http://www.aaroads.com/texas/ |format=html |doi= |accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> [[Tollways]] are common in Texas primarily due to lack of funds from traditional revenue sources. There are approximately 17 current [[List of Toll Roads in the United States#Texas|toll roads in the state]] with additional roads proposed.<ref name="tollways2">{{cite web |title=Global List of Toll Facilities - United States |publisher=International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association |year =2005 |url=http://www.ibtta.org/Information/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2530 |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> In the western part of the state, both [[Interstate 10 (Texas)|I-10]] and [[Interstate 20 (Texas)|I-20]] have a speed limit of [[Speed_limits_in_the_United_States#75_mph_and_80_mph_limits|{{convert|80|mph|km/h}}]], the highest in the nation.<ref name="speedlimit">{{cite web |title=Texas Raises Rural Speed Limits to 80 MPH{{ndash}} |publisher=FOXNews.com / Associated Press |date =[[2006-05-08]] |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,197072,00.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref>

The [[Trans-Texas Corridor]] (TTC), also known has the [[North American Free Trade Agreement]] (NAFTA) freeway, is a transportation network in the planning and early construction stages. The network, as planned, would be composed of a {{convert|4000|mi|km|-3|sing=on}} network of [[supercorridors]] up to {{convert|1200|ft|m|-1}} wide to carry parallel lines of [[tollways]], [[railroad|rails]], and [[public utility|utility]] lines.<ref name="TTC">{{cite web |title=Crossroads of the Americas: Trans Texas Corridor Plan Report Summary |url=http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.com/publications/files/ttc_report_summary.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

===Airports===
{{see also|List of airports in Texas}}
[[Image:Dfw airport.jpg|thumb|right|[[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport]]]]
Texas has the most airports of any state in the nation.<ref name="AdvaTransport"/> Largest of these is [[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport]] (DFW), the second largest in the United States, and fourth largest in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dfwairport.com/visitor/facts.htm |title=Facts about DFW |accessdate=2007-08-04 |work=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport}}</ref> In traffic, DFW is the busiest in the state, fourth busiest in the United States,<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Great Places for Aviation and Aerospace|author=Jennifer LeClaire|work=Southern Business and Development|url=http://www.sb-d.com/issues/spring2007/features/10GreatPlacesForAviationAndAerospace.asp|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> and sixth busiest in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport|work=USAToday|url=http://destinations.usatoday.com/dallas/|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> The airport serves 135 domestic destinations and 40 international. DFW is the largest and main [[Airline hub|hub]] of the [[AMR Corporation]]s [[American Airlines|American]] / [[American Eagle Airlines|American Eagle]], the world's largest airline in total passengers-miles transported<ref>Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 15, 2007, p. 349, </ref> and passenger fleet size.<ref name="AMR">{{cite web |title=American airlines information pictures and facts |publisher=aviationexplorer.com |date =[[2008-04-11]] |url=http://www.aviationexplorer.com/american_airlines.htm |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

Texas's second-largest air facility is Houston's [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport]] (IAH). [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] is the headquarters of [[Continental Airlines]] and is the airline's largest hub. IAH offers service to the most Mexican destinations of any U.S. airport.<ref name="GBAir1">{{cite web|title=About George Bush Intercontinental Airport|publisher=Houston Airport System|url=http://www.houstonairportsystem.org/iahAbout|format=HTML|accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref><ref name="GBAir2">{{cite press release|title=Houston Emerges As The Premier Gateway In The U.S. For Travelers To Mexico|publisher=Houston Airport System|date=[[2005-04-12]]|url=http://www.fly2houston.com/0/8178/0/1906D1940/|accessdate=2006-12-30}} </ref> IAH ranks third among U.S. airports with scheduled non-stop domestic and international service.<ref name="GBAir1"/>

[[Southwest Airlines]], headquartered in Dallas, Texas, began its operations at [[Dallas Love Field]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/airborne.html |title=We Weren't Just Airborne Yesterday |date=[[2007-05-02]]|publisher=Southwest Airlines |accessdate=2007-06-09}}</ref> It is the largest airline in the United States by number of passengers carried domestically per year and the [[World's largest airlines#By scheduled passengers carried|largest airline in the world]] by number of passengers carried.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iata.org/pressroom/wats/wats_passengers_carried.htm |title=Scheduled Passengers Carried |author=[[International Air Transport Association]] |accessdate=2007-06-10}}</ref> The airline's growth from its original hub is limited by the [[Wright Amendment]] of 1979.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asp.usatoday.com/community/profile.htm?UID=ebb13abbd48dd5df |title=Flights up, fares down one year after Wright Amendment changes |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date =[[2007-10-01]] |url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2007/10/wright.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

===Ports===
[[Image:PortofHouston.jpg|thumb|right|[[Port of Houston]].]]
{{main|List of ports in the United States}}
Over 1,000 [[ports|seaports]] dot Texas's coast with over {{convert|1000|mi|km}} of [[channels]].<ref name="ports1">{{citation |title=About Texas Ports |publisher=Texas Ports Association |url=http://www.texasports.org/ |accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Ports employ nearly one-million people and handle an average of 317 million [[metric tons]].<ref name="portbenefits">{{citation |title=Benefits of Texas Ports |publisher=Texas Ports Association |url=http://www.texasports.org/benefits/ |accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> Texas ports are connected with the rest of the US Atlantic seaboard in the [[Gulf Intracoastal Waterway|Gulf]] section of the [[Intracoastal Waterway]].<ref name= "ports1"/> Until the deadliest hurricane in US history of [[Galveston Hurricane of 1900|1900]], the state's primary port was [[Galveston, Texas|Galveston]].

With completion of the Houston Ship Channel in 1919, the [[Port of Houston]] replaced Galveston and today is the busiest port in the United States in foreign tonnage, second in overall tonnage, and [[List of world's busiest ports by cargo tonnage|tenth]] worldwide in tonnage.<ref name="porthouston">{{citation |date =[[2008-03-31]] |year=2008 |title=General Information |publisher=The Port of Houston Authority |url=http://www.portofhouston.com/geninfo/overview1.html |accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> The [[Houston Ship Channel]] is currently {{convert|530|ft|m}} wide by {{convert|45|ft|m}} deep by {{convert|50|mi|km}} long.<ref name="HGnav">"Welcome to the Houston-Galveston Navigation Channel Project Online Resource Center" (description), [[USACE]], December 2005, [http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/items/hgnc/ USACE]</ref>

===Railroads===
[[Image:METRORail 5.jpg|thumb|left|[[METRORail]] in [[Houston]]]]
{{seealso|List of Texas railroads}}
Part of the state's [[Cowboy#Texas_tradition|cowboy]] legends are based on [[Cattle drives in the United States|cattle drives]] where [[livestock]] was herded from Texas to [[Rail transport|railroads]] in Kansas. The first railroad in Texas completed in 1872, the [[Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad]], diminished the need for these drives. The desire for the benefits of railroads was so strong that Dallasites paid $5,000 for the Houston and Central Texas Railroad to shift its route through its location, rather than [[Corsicana, Texas|Corsicana]] as planned.<ref name="DallasRR">{{Handbook of Texas |id=EE/hte14 |name=East Dallas, TX}} accessed [[2008]]-[[05-07]]</ref> Since 1911, Texas has led the nation in railroad length. Construction of railroads created a radial system of major cities, unlike states in which river transportation most influenced the cities. Texas railway mileage peaked in 1932 at {{convert|17078|mi|km}}, but declned to {{convert|14006|mi|km}} by 2000.<ref name="AdvaTransport"/> The state's oldest regulatory agency, the [[Railroad Commission of Texas]], originally regulated the railroads, but in 2005, the state transferred to these duties to TxDOT.<ref name="RRCMove">{{cite web |title=Former Rail Division|publisher=[[Texas Railroad Commission]] |date =[[2005-10-01]] |url=http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/divisions/rail_moved/index.html?/rail.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-04}}</ref>

[[Light rail]] systems have been implemented in both Dallas and Houston. [[Dallas Area Rapid Transit]] (DART) operates the first light rail system in the [[Southwest United States]].<ref name="DARTLightRail">{{citation |last=Myerson |first=Allen R. |date =1996-06-14 |year=1996 |title=Dallas Opening Southwest's First Rail Transit |publisher=[[New York Times]] |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01EFD81739F937A25755C0A960958260 |accessdate=2008-05-11}}</ref> The [[commuter rail]] service, the [[Trinity Railway Express]] (TRE), links Fort Worth and Dallas, provided by the [[Fort Worth Transportation Authority]] (the T) and DART.<ref name="TRE">{{cite web |title=Trinity Railroad Express |url=http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref> The [[Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas]] (METRO) operates lines in the Houston area.

Intercity passenger rail service in Texas is limited in terms of both network and frequency. Just three scheduled [[Amtrak]] routes serve the state: the daily ''[[Texas Eagle]]'' {{nowrap|(Chicago&ndash;San Antonio)}}; the tri-weekly ''[[Sunset Limited]]'' {{nowrap|(New Orleans&ndash;Los Angeles)}}, with stops in Texas; and the daily ''[[Heartland Flyer]]'' {{nowrap|(Fort Worth&ndash;Oklahoma City)}}.

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Texas}}
{{see also|List of people from Texas|List of Texas symbols}}
[[Image:Big Tex.JPG|thumb|right|[[Big Tex]] has presided over every [[State Fair of Texas|Texas State Fair]] since 1952]]
Texas historically has had a culture that has been a blend of Southwestern (Mexican), Southern (Dixie), and Western (frontier) influences. A popular food item drawing from all three is the breakfast taco, made with a soft flour tortilla wrapped around bacon and scrambled eggs or other hot, cooked fillings. Adding to Texas's traditional culture, established in the 18th and 19th centuries, later immigration has made Texas a [[melting pot]] of cultures from around the world.

===Arts===
{{further|[[Music of Texas]]}}
[[Houston, Texas|Houston]] is one of only five American cities with permanent professional resident companies in all of the major performing arts disciplines: the [[Houston Grand Opera]], the [[Houston Symphony Orchestra]], the [[Houston Ballet]], and [[The Alley Theatre]].<ref name="houstontheater">{{cite web |title=About Houston Theater District |publisher=[[Houston Theater District]] |url=http://www.houstontheaterdistrict.org/en/cms/?68 |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Known for the vibrancy of its [[visual arts|visual]] and [[performing arts]], the [[Houston Theatre District]]&mdash;a 17-block area in the heart of [[Downtown Houston]]&mdash;is ranked second in the country in the number of theatre seats in a concentrated downtown area, with 12,948 seats for live performances and 1,480 movie seats.<ref name="houstontheater"/>

[[Fort Worth]] is an epicenter of the North Texas region's art scene. Founded in 1892, [[Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth|The Modern]] is the oldest art museum in Texas. The city is also home to the [[Kimbell Art Museum]], the [[Amon Carter Museum]], the [[National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame]], the [[Will Rogers Memorial Center]], and the [[Bass Performance Hall]] downtown.

The [[Arts District, Dallas|Arts District]] of [[Downtown Dallas]] has arts venues such as the [[Dallas Museum of Art]], the [[Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center]], [[the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art]], and the [[Nasher Sculpture Center]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Arts District |publisher=Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau |accessdate=2008-05-29 |url=http://www.dallascvb.com/visitors/listing.details.php?id=492}}</ref>

[[Image:HoustonTX HobbyCenter.jpg|thumb|left|[[Hobby Center for the Performing Arts]] in Houston]]
The [[Deep Ellum]] district within Dallas became popular during the 1920s and 1930s as the prime [[jazz]] and [[blues]] hotspot in the [[Southern United States]]. The name Deep Ellum is derived from local people pronouncing "Deep Elm" as "Deep Ellum".<ref>{{Handbook of Texas|id=DD/hpd1|name=Deep Ellum}}</ref> Artists such as [[Blind Lemon Jefferson]], [[Robert Johnson (musician)|Robert Johnson]], Huddie "[[Leadbelly]]" Ledbetter, and [[Bessie Smith]] played in early Deep Ellum clubs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas History Items: Deep Ellum |publisher=Dallas Historical Society |url=http://www.dallashistory.org/history/dallas/deep_ellum.htm |accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref>

[[Austin, Texas|Austin]], the [[Music of Austin|''The&nbsp;Live&nbsp;Music&nbsp;Capital&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;World'']], boasts the most venues per capita citywise.<ref name="livemusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.cityofaustin.org/music/|title=Live Music Capital of the World|accessdate=2007-06-12|publisher=City of Austin}}</ref> The city's music revolves around the [[nightclub]]s on [[6th Street (Austin)|6th Street]] and an annual [[film]], music, and [[multimedia]] festival known as [[South by Southwest]].<ref name="SouthbySouthwest">{{citation |last=Collier |first=Kiah |date =2007-03-19 |year=2007 |title=Austin's financial windfall from South by Southwest larger than last year |newspaper =[[Daily Texan]] |publisher=[[University of Texas]] |url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2007/03/19/TopStories/Austins.Financial.Windfall.From.South.By.Southwest.Larger.Than.Last.Year-2779781.shtml |accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> The longest-running concert music program on American television, ''[[Austin City Limits]]'' and its similarly named [[Austin City Limits Music Festival|music festival]] are located at [[the University of Texas at Austin]] at [[Zilker Park]].

Over the past couple of decades, [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] has evolved into the "Nashville of [[Tejano music]]." The [[Tejano Music Awards]] have provided a forum to create greater awareness and appreciation for Tejano music and culture.<ref name="TejanoMA">{{cite web |title=Tejano Music Awards |publisher=Texas Talent Musicians Association |year =2008 |url=http://www.tejanomusicawards.com/ |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref>

===Sports===
{{main|Sports in Texas}}
{{further|[[List of Texas sports teams]], and [[List of University Interscholastic League events]]}}
[[Image:Tbia.jpg|thumb|right|[[Rangers Ballpark in Arlington]], home of the Texas&nbsp;Rangers]]
While [[American football]] has long been considered “king” in the state, Texans today enjoy a wide variety of sports.<ref name="FBKing">{{cite news|last=Brady |first=Erik |title=Football still king, but hoops teams in Texas grab attention |publisher=[[USA TODAY]] |date =[[2003-04-04]] |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2003-04-03-texas-double_x.htm |accessdate=2008-04-11}} </ref> Texans have a plethora of [[professional sports]] teams to cheer for. Texas is home to two [[National Football League|NFL]] teams, the [[Dallas Cowboys]] and the [[Houston Texans]]; two [[Major League Baseball]] teams, the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] and [[Houston Astros]]; three [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] teams: the [[Houston Rockets]], the [[San Antonio Spurs]], and the [[Dallas Mavericks]]; two [[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]] teams: the [[Houston Comets]] and the [[San Antonio Silver Stars]]; one National Hockey League team, the [[Dallas Stars]]. Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area is one of only [[U.S. cities with teams from four major sports|thirteen American cities]] that have sports teams from the [[Major North American professional sports leagues|"Big Four" professional leagues]]. Other professional teams include the [[Arena Football League]], and [[Major League Soccer]], and the [[Mexican 1st Division]].

[[College athletics|Collegiate athletics]] have deep significance in Texas culture. The state has the most [[Division I-FBS]] schools in America, ten. The four largest programs are part of the [[Big 12 Conference]]: the [[Baylor Bears]], [[Texas A&M Aggies]], [[Texas Longhorns]], and [[Texas Tech Red Raiders]]. According to a survey of Division I-A coaches, the [[College rivalry|rivalry]] between the [[University of Oklahoma]] and the University of Texas, the [[Red River Shootout]], is ranked the third best collegiate rivalry in the nation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/redrivershootout/texas/stories/100705dnspofbwnewrivalrylede.1c8619ce.html |title=UT-OU : Best Rivalry? |work=[[Dallas Morning News]] |last=Davis |first=Brian |date=2005-10-07 |accessdate=2006-07-11}}</ref> The rivalry between the two largest universities in the state, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas, is called the [[Lone Star Showdown]].[[Image:Lone Star Showdown 2006 McGee on goal-line.jpg|left|thumb|2006 [[Lone Star Showdown]] football game at [[Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium]]]]<!--This image contains trademarked symbols, the ATM and the longhorn, and is only being used to illustrate said symbols within context-->

Texas is an American Football recruiting hotbed for college teams nationwide. In 2006, 170 players in the NFL were from Texas high schools.<ref name="HSrecruit">{{citation |last=Talman |first=John |title=Lone Star Competition |newspaper =[[Rivals.com]] |year=2006 |date =[[2006-03-15]] |url=http://rivals100.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=880&CID=523700}}.</ref> The [[University Interscholastic League]] (UIL) organizes most primary and secondary school competitions. Events organized by UIL include athletics as well as the arts and academic subjects such as [[mathematics]].<ref name="UIL">{{cite web| title = University Interscholastic League| publisher = University of Texas| url = http://www.uil.utexas.edu/| format = HTML| accessdate = 2008-09-28}}</ref>

Texans also enjoy going to the [[rodeo]]. The annual [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]] is the largest rodeo in the world. The event begins with trail rides that originate from several points throughout the state, of which convene at [[Reliant Park]]. The World’s first rodeo was held in [[Pecos, Texas]] on July 4, 1883.<ref name="HoustonRodeo">{{cite web |title=Houston Rodeo Tickets |publisher=[[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]] |year =2008 |url=http://www.houstonrodeoonline.com/ |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> The [[Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]] has a cowboy, a Mexican and many traditional rodeos. The [[State Fair of Texas]] is held in [[Dallas, Texas]] each year at [[Fair Park]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Fair Park, TX |publisher=City of Dallas |accessdate=2008-05-22 |url=http://www.dallascityhall.com/FairPark/art_architectural.html}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
[[The Commonwealth Fund]] ranks the Texas [[healthcare system]] the third worst in the nation.<ref name="insurancenet">{{citation |last=Perotin |first=Maria M. |title=Texas is Near Bottom of Healthcare Rankings |newspaper =[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |year=2007 |date =[[2007-06-13]] |url=http://www.insurancenewsnet.com/article.asp?a=top_lh&id=80824 |accessdate=2008-04-22}}</ref> It also ranks Texas close to last in access to healthcare, quality of care, avoidable hospital spending, and equity among various groups.<ref name="insurancenet"/> Causes of the state's poor rankings include: politics, a high poverty rate, and illegal immigration, Texas having the highest rate in the nation.<ref name="CausesHealthcare">{{citation |last=Roberson |first=Jason |title=Politics, poverty, immigration entangle Texas health care |newspaper =[[Dallas Morning News]] |year=2007 |date =[[2008-12-04]] |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/120407dnbustexashealth.29ab7e6.html}}</ref> In May 2006, Texas initiated the program "code red" in response to the report that the state had 25.1 percent of the population without health insurance, the largest proportion in the nation.<ref name="codered">{{cite web |title=Code Red: The Critical Condition of Health in Texas |url=http://www.coderedtexas.org/ |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> Texas also has controversial [[non-economic damages caps]] [[medical malpractice]] lawsuits set at $250,000, in an attempt to "curb rising malpractice premiums, and control escalating healthcare costs".<ref name="tort">{{citation |last=Odom |first=Lamar |last2 =Garcia |first2 =Anthony |last3 =Milburn |first3 =Pamela |year=2005 |title=The Ethicality of Capping Non-Economic Damages to Control Rising Healthcare Costs: Panacea or False and Misleading Practice? |edition =1 |volume=3 |publisher=The Internet Journal of Healthcare Administration |isbn=1531-2933 |url=http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijhca/vol3n1/capping.xml |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

The [[Trust for America's Health]] ranked Texas 12th highest adult [[obesity]] rate, 24.6 percent, nationwide, and the 4th highest in the percentage of overweight high school students, 13.9 percent.<ref name="obese1">{{citation |last=Segal |first=Laura |last2 =Earls |first2 =Michael |title=Texas Ranks 12th in Nation for Obesity, New Report Finds State and Federal Obesity Policies are Failing |date =October 2004 |year=2004 |url=http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity/release.php?StateID=TX |accessdate=2008-04-21}}.</ref> The 2008 [[Men's Health]] obesity survey ranked four Texas cities among the top 25 fattest cities in America; Houston ranked 6th, Dallas 7th, El Paso 8th, and [[Arlington, Texas|Arlington]] 14th.<ref name="obese2">
{{citation |title=America's Fittest Cities 2007 |newspaper =[[Men's Health]] |year=2008 |url=http://www.mensfitness.com/city_rankings/411 |accessdate=2008-04-21}}}.</ref> Austin was the only Texan city in the top 25 among the "fittest cities" in America and ranked 21st.<ref name="obese2"/> The same survey has evaluated the state's obesity initiatives favorably with a "B+".<ref name="obese2"/>

===Medical research===
[[Image:FlightHoustontoDallas086.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial of Texas Medical Center in Houston]]
{{see also|List of hospitals in Texas}}
Texas is home to elite research medical centers. The state has eight [[List_of_colleges_and_universities_in_Texas#Health_Science_Schools|medical schools]],<ref name="MedicalSchools">{{cite web |title=Texas Medical Schools and Hospitals |publisher=Texas Medical Association |date =2006-08-03 |url=http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=86 |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> three dental schools, and one [[optometry]] school. Texas has two [[Biosafety Level 4]] (BSL-4) laboratories: one at [[The University of Texas Medical Branch]] (UTMB) in Galveston,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bioscrypt.com/about/press/press-2004-10-14.shtml|date=October 14, 2004|title=University Selects Bioscrypt for Biosafety Level 4 Lab|publisher=Bioscrypt|accessdate=2006-04-29}}</ref> and the other at the [[Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research]] in San Antonio&mdash;the first privately owned BSL-4 lab in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfbr.org/pages/about_resources2.php|title=Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) Laboratory|publisher=Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research|accessdate=2006-04-29}}</ref>

The [[Texas Medical Center]], in Houston, is the world's largest concentration of [[research]] and [[healthcare]] institutions, with 45 member institutions in the Texas Medical Center.<ref>[http://www.texmedctr.tmc.edu/root/en/GetToKnow/FactsandFigures/FactsAndFigures.htm Facts and Figures]. ''Texas Medical Center''. 2006. Last Retrieved [[2007-03-17]].</ref> More heart transplants are performed at [[Texas Medical Center]] than anywhere else in the world.<ref name="HeartTransplants">{{cite web |title=Background Statistics > People and Politics (most recent) by state |publisher=State Master |date =2008-05-08 |url=http://www.statemaster.com/graph/bac_bac-background-people-and-politics |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-05-08}}</ref> San Antonio's South Texas Medical Center facilities rank sixth in clinical medicine research impact in the United States<ref name="UTSAFactsheet">{{citation |date =[[2007-04-03]] |year=2007 |title=Health Science Center ranks sixth in clinical medicine |edition =7 |volume=XL |publisher=University of Texas Health Science Center |url=http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=2353 |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> with the [[UTHSCSA|University of Texas Health Science Center]] being another highly ranked research and educational institution.<ref>{{cite web |title=Medical center's research ranks high |publisher=San Antonio Express-News |accessdate=2008-05-15 |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA040407.medical.center.EN.2dc65c3e.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=International report gives Dental School high marks |publisher=HSC NEWS |accessdate=2008-05-15 |url=http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat.asp?newID=1742}}</ref>

Dallas is home to the [[American Heart Association]] and the [[University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center]], "among the top academic medical centers in the world".<ref name="UTSWAboutUs">{{cite web |title=About UT Southwestern |publisher=[[University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center]] |url=http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/home/about/index.html |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> The [[University of Texas Southwestern Medical School]] at the center employs the most medical school [[Nobel laureates]] in the world.<ref name="UTSWFactsheet">{{cite web |title=UT Southwestern Fact Sheet |publisher=[[University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center]] |year =2008 |url=http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/vgn/images/portal/cit_56417/43/32/2800592006_Fact_Sheet.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref><ref name="UTSWAboutUs"/> [[The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center]] is one of the world’s highly regarded academic institutions devoted to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.<ref name="MDAnderson">{{cite web |title=About MD Anderson |publisher=[[The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center]] |url=http://www.mdanderson.org/about_mda/ |format=HTML |accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

==Education==
{{main|Education in Texas}}
[[Image:pesh.jpg|thumb|right|[[Plano East Senior High School]], in 2005, had the largest graduating class in the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12535986/site/newsweek/page/2/|title=Some Numbers from Newsweek's Best High Schools List - Newsweek America's Best High Schools -r MSNBC.com|publisher=Newsweek|accessdate=2006-07-10}}</ref>]]
The [[American Legislative Exchange Council]] ranked Texas 26 among the 50 states for education in 2007. Texas students ranked higher than average in mathematics, but lower in reading. Between 2005&ndash;2006, Texas spent $7,584 per pupil ranking it below the national average of $9,295. The pupil/teacher ratio was 15.0 slightly below average. Instructors were paid $38,130, below the national average. 10.8% of the educational funding in Texas came from the federal government, 89.22% from state funding.<ref name="reportcard">{{citation|title=2007 Report Card on American Education|date =|year=2007|url=http://www.alec.org/fileadmin/newPDF/2007%20ALEC%20Education%20Report%20Card.pdf|accessdate=2008-04-08|format={{dead link|date=June 2008}}{{ndash}} <sup>[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=intitle%3A2007+Report+Card+on+American+Education&as_publication=&as_ylo=2007&as_yhi=2007&btnG=Search Scholar search]</sup>}}</ref>

The state's public school systems are administered by the [[Texas Education Agency]] (TEA). Texas has [[List of school districts in Texas|over 1,000]] [[school district]]s&mdash;all districts except the [[Stafford Municipal School District]] are independent from [[municipal government]] and many cross city boundaries.<ref name="Stafford">>{{cite press release|title=Comptroller Strayhorn to Review Stafford Municipal School District|publisher=Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn|date=[[2003-09-16]]|format=HTML|url=http://www.cpa.state.tx.us/news/30916stafford.html|accessdate=2008-06-28}}</ref> School districts have the power to [[taxation|tax]] their residents and to assert [[eminent domain]] over privately owned property. The "[[Robin Hood plan]]" is a controversial tax redistribution system that provides court-mandated equitable school financing for school districts. Property tax revenue from property-wealthy school districts is distributed to those in property-poor districts, in an effort to equalize the public school financing for children throughout Texas.<ref name="robinhood">{{citation|last=Saghaye-Biria|first=Hakimeh| author-link =http://soc.hfac.uh.edu/cgi-bin/artman/exec/search.cgi?keyword=Hakimeh%20Saghaye-Biria|date=[[2001-04-22]]|publisher=World Internet News Cooperative|url=http://soc.hfac.uh.edu/artman/publish/article_137.shtml|accessdate=2008-06-23}}</ref> The TEA has no authority over [[private school]] operations; private schools may or may not be accredited, and achievement tests are not required for private school graduating seniors. Neither TEA nor the local school district has authority to regulate [[homeschooling|home school]] activities.<ref name="homeschool">{{citation | publication-date =2007-11-01|title=Home School Information Letter|publisher=Texas Education Agency |url=http://www.tea.state.tx.us/home.school/homeltr.html|accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref>

The [[Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills]] (TAKS) is a [[standardized test]] used in Texas [[primary education|primary]] and [[secondary education|secondary schools]] to assess students' attainment of [[reading (activity)|reading]], [[writing]], [[math]], [[science]], and [[social studies]] skills required under Texas education standards. Though created before the [[No Child Left Behind Act]] was passed, it complies with the law. In spring 2007, Texas legislators replaced the TAKS for freshmen in the 2011&ndash;2012 school year and onward with End of Course exams for core high school classes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/admin/eoc/index.html|title="End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments: Implementation" |last=Texas Education Agency|first= |work=Assessment Division|date=[[2007-10-22]]|accessdate=2007-10-22}}</ref>

===Colleges and universities===
[[Image:Lovett Hall.jpg|thumb|right|Rice University]]
{{further|[[List of colleges and universities in Texas]]}}
Texas has six university systems and four independent universities that are supported by the state.<ref name="UniSystems">{{cite web | last = Heath | first = Ben | publisher = Daily Texan | date = [[2003-07-07]] | url = http://www.utsystem.edu/news/clips/dailyclips/2003/0706-0712/UTSystem-DT-BillRequires-070703.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate =2007-10-12}}</ref><ref name="unisystems2">{{cite web | title = Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education Testimony Regarding the Benefits of a Stand Alone Institution | publisher = Sam Houston State University | date = [[2008-06-25]] | url =http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/commit/c535/20080625/062508_SFA_Testimony_Dr_Pattillo.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate =2008-10-12 }}</ref> The [[University of Texas at Austin]], [[Texas A&M University]], [[University of Houston]], and the [[University of North Texas]] are Texas's four largest comprehensive [[Doctorate|doctoral degree]] granting institutions with a combined enrollment of over 145,000. Texas's controversial alternative [[affirmative action]] plan, [[Texas House Bill 588]], guarantees Texas students who graduated in the [[Class rank|top ten percent]] of their [[high school]] class automatic admission to state-funded universities. The bill was created to encourage [[Multiculturalism|diversity]] while avoiding problems stemming from the ''[[Hopwood v. Texas]]'' (1996) case. As for [[Private university|private universities]], [[Rice University]]&mdash;one of the country’s leading teaching and research universities&mdash;ranked the 17th-best university overall in the nation by ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''.<ref>[http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/natudoc/tier1/t1natudoc_brief.php America's Best Colleges 2006]. ''U.S.News & World Report''</ref> [[Southern Methodist University]], located in Dallas, was recently ranked the 13th-best university in the nation by the Center for College Affordability & Productivity.<ref name="ForbesUni">{{cite news| last = Vedder | first = Richard | title = How to Choose a College| publisher = [[Forbes Magazine]]| date = [[2008-05-19]]| url = http://www.forbes.com/opinions/forbes/2008/0519/030_2.html| accessdate = 2008-10-02}}</ref> Additionally, [[Baylor University]], in Waco, and [[Southwestern University]], near Austin, are two of the longest established universities and were chartered by the Republic of Texas.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Baylor |publisher=Baylor University |accessdate=2008-05-21 |url=http://www.baylor.edu/about/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Southwestern History |publisher=Southwestern University |accessdate=2008-10-12 |url=http://www.southwestern.edu/about/about-history.html}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Texas|Flag of Texas.svg|left=no}}
*[[List of Texas-related topics]]


==References==
==References==
* [http://www.rsa.org.nz/ Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association]
{{reflist|2}}
* [http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/customs/poppies.htm Commemoration - Red poppies]

* [http://www.legion.ca Royal Canadian Legion]
==Further reading==
* [http://www.rsl.org.au/ Returned & Services League of Australia]
{{refbegin}}
*{{citation|last=Chipman|first=Donald E.|title=Spanish Texas, 1519-1821|publisher=[[University of Texas Press]]|location=[[Austin, TX]]|date=1992|isbn=0292776594}}
*{{citation|last=Weber|first=David J.|title=The Spanish Frontier in North America|publisher=[[Yale University Press]]|location=[[New Haven, CT]]|series=Yale Western Americana Series|date=1992|isbn=0300051980}}
*{{citation|last=Weddle|first=Robert S.|title=Changing Tides: Twilight and Dawn in the Spanish Sea, 1763–1803|series=Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students Number 58|publisher=[[Texas A&M University Press]]|location=[[College Station, TX]]|date=1995|isbn=0890966613}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks}}
;State Government
*[http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol The State of Texas]
*[http://wikis.ala.org/godort/index.php/Texas Texas State Databases] - Annotated list of searchable databases produced by Texas state agencies and compiled by the ''Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association''.
*[http://texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu Texas Politics]. An online textbook from the College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin.
;U.S. Government
*[http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=TX Energy Profile for Texas- Economic, environmental, and energy data]
*[http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=TX USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Texas]
*[http://www.ers.usda.gov/StateFacts/TX.htm Texas State Facts]
*[http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/tx/ South and West Texas, a National Park Service ''Discover Our Shared Heritage'' Travel Itinerary]
;Other
*[http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/ The Texas State History Museum]
*[http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/ The Handbook of Texas Online]{{ndash}} Published by the ''Texas State Historical Association''
*[http://texinfo.library.unt.edu/texasregister/default.htm ''Texas Register''], hosted by the ''University of North Texas Libraries''
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/North_America/United_States/Texas/ Open Directory: Texas]
*{{wikitravel}}
*[http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/tx/ South and West Texas: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary]
{{Template group
|list =
{{Texas|expand}}
{{United States}}
{{US South}}
{{Six flags of Texas}}
{{Confederate States of America}}
{{coord|31|N|100|W|region:US-TX_type:adm1st_scale:10000000|display=title}}
}}
{{succession
|preceded = [[Florida]]
|office = [[List of U.S. states by date of statehood]]
|years = Admitted on December 29, 1845 (28th)
|succeeded = [[Iowa]]
}}


[[Category:Texas| ]]
[[Category:Remembrance days]]
[[Category:Proposed countries]]
[[Category:Holidays in Canada]]
[[Category:States of the United States]]
[[Category:Holidays in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1845 establishments]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Confederate states (1861-1865)]]
[[Category:World War I]]
[[Category:Southern United States]]
[[Category:Aftermath of World War II]]
[[Category:Former Spanish colonies]]
[[Category:Military life]]
[[Category:Military veterans' affairs]]


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[[an:Texas]]
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[[ja:国民哀悼の日]]
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[[pl:Dzień Pamięci]]
[[sv:Hågkomstens dag]]
[[bn:টেক্সাস]]
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[[zh:國殤紀念日]]
[[be:Штат Тэхас]]
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[[bg:Тексас]]
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Revision as of 03:34, 13 October 2008

Remembrance Day
Poppy worn on lapel
Official nameRemembrance Day (Veterans Day For U.S.)
Also calledPoppy Day, Armistice Day
Observed byCommonwealth of Nations
SignificanceCommemorates Commonwealth war dead
ObservancesParades, silences
DateNovember 11
Related toVeterans Day

Remembrance Day also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates), or Veterans Day is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November, 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war; this was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.[1]

Observance in the Commonwealth

File:Remembrance march.jpeg
Remembrance Day, London, 2006.

Common British, Canadian, South African, and ANZAC traditions include two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, 11 November), as that marks the time (in the United Kingdom) when armistice became effective.

The Service of Remembrance in many Commonwealth countries generally includes the playing of the "Last Post," followed by the requisite two minutes of silence, followed again by the playing of "Reveille" (or, more commonly, "The Rouse"), and finished by a recitation of the "Ode of Remembrance." The "Scottish Bagpiper's Lament", "O Valiant Hearts", "I Vow to Thee, My Country" and "And did those feet in ancient time" are often played during the service. Services also include wreaths laid to honour the fallen, a blessing, and National Anthems.[2]

Australia

In Australia Remembrance Day is always observed on 11 November, although the day is not a public holiday. Services are held at 11am at war memorials in suburbs and towns across the country, at which the "Last Post" is played by a bugler and a one-minute silence is observed. In recent decades, however, Remembrance Day has been partly eclipsed by ANZAC Day (25 April) as the national day of war commemoration.

Bermuda

Remembrance Day Parade, Hamilton, Bermuda, 1991.

In Bermuda, which sent the first colonial volunteer unit to the Western Front in 1915, and which had more people per capita in uniform during the Second World War than any other part of the Empire, Remembrance Day is still an important holiday. The parade in Hamilton had historically been a large and colourful one, as contingents from the Royal Navy, British Regular Army, the local Territorial units, the Canadian Forces, the US Army, Air Force, and Navy, and various cadet corps and other services were all contributed at one time or another to march with the veterans. Since the closing of British, Canadian, and American bases in 1995, the parade has barely grown smaller. In addition to the ceremony held in the City of Hamilton on Remembrance Day itself, marching to the Cenotaph (a smaller replica of the one in London), where wreathes are lain and orations made, a smaller military parade is also held in St. George's on the nearest Sunday to Remembrance Day.

Canada

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a holiday for federal government employees; for private business, provincial governments, and schools, its status varies by province: in Western Canada and Atlantic Canada, it is a general holiday; in Ontario and Quebec, it is not, although corporations that are federally registered may make the day a full holiday, or instead, designate a provincially-recognized holiday on a different day.

Poppies are laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Remembrance Day in Ottawa.

The official national ceremonies are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, presided over by the Governor General of Canada, any members of the Canadian Royal Family, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries, to the observance of the public. Typically, these events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which serving members of the Canadian Forces arrive at Confederation Square, followed by the Ottawa diplomatic corps, Ministers of the Crown, special guests, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), the vice-regal party, and, if present, the royal party. Before the start of the ceremony, four armed sentries and three sentinels – two flag sentinels and one nursing sister – are posted at the foot of the cenotaph.

The arrival of the Governor General is announced by a trumpeter sounding the "Still," whereupon the viceroy is met by the Dominion President of the RCL and escorted to a dais to receive the Vice-Regal Salute, after which the national anthem, "O Canada," is then played. The moment of remembrance begins with the bugling of "Last Post" immediately before 11:00 am, at which time the gun salute fires and the bells of the Peace Tower toll the hour. Another gun salute signals the end of the two minutes of silence, and cues the playing of a lament, and then the bugling of "The Rouse." A flypast of Canadian Air Command craft then occurs at the start of a 21 gun salute, upon the completion of which a choir sings "In Flanders Fields." The various parties then lay their wreaths at the base of the memorial; one wreath is set by the Silver Cross Mother, the most recent recipient of the Memorial Cross, on behalf of all mothers who lost children in any of Canada's armed conflicts. The royal and/or vice-regal group return to the dias to receive the playing of the Royal Anthem of Canada, "God Save the Queen," prior to the assembled Armed Forces personnel and veterans performing a March Past in front of the royal and/or viceregal persons, bringing about the end of the official ceremonies.[3] A tradition of paying more personal tribute to the sacrifice of those who have served and lost their lives in defence of the country has emerged since erection of the The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the War Memorial in 2000. After the official ceremony the general public pay their respects by placing their poppies atop the Tomb.

The military Remembrance Day parade in Ottawa.

Similar ceremonies take place in provincial capitals across the country, officiated by the relevant Lieutenant Governor, as well as in other cities, towns, and even hotels or corporate headquarters. Schools will usually hold special assemblies for the first half of the day, or on the school day prior, with various presentations concerning the remembrance of the war dead. The largest indoor ceremonies are believed to be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with over 7,000 gathering in Credit Union Centre.[4]

New Zealand

New Zealand recognises the day as Poppy Day; events and ceremonies are similar to those in Australia.

Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, New Guinea marks Remembrance Day.[5]

South Africa

In South Africa, the day is not a public holiday. Commemoration ceremonies are usually held on the following Sunday, at which, as with Australia and Britain, the "Last Post" is played by a bugler followed by the observation of a two-minute silence. The two biggest commemoration ceremonies to mark the event in South Africa are held in Johannesburg, at the Cenotaph (where it has been held for 84 consecutive years), and at the War Memorial at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

United Kingdom

Memorials outside London's Westminster Abbey for Remembrance Day, 2002.

In the United Kingdom, although two minutes of silence is observed on 11 November itself, the main observance is on the second Sunday of November, Remembrance Sunday. Ceremonies are held at local war memorials, usually organised by local branches of the Royal British Legion – an association for ex-servicemen. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, and local civic leaders, as well as by local organisations including ex-servicemen organisations, cadet forces, the Scouts, Guides, Boys' Brigade, St John Ambulance and the Salvation Army. The start and end of the silence is often also marked by the firing of a cannon. A minute's or two minutes' silence is also frequently incorporated into church services, and even everyday locations such as supermarkets and banks may invite their customers and staff to fall silent at 11:00 am.[6]

The main national commemoration is held at Whitehall, in Central London, for dignitaries, the public, and ceremonial detachments from the armed forces and civilian uniformed services such as the Merchant Navy, Her Majesty's Coastguard, etc. Members of the British Royal Family walk through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office towards the cenotaph, assembling to the right of the monument to wait for Big Ben to strike 11:00 am, and for the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery at Horse Guards Parade, to fire the cannon marking the commencement of the 2 minutes of silence. Following this, "The Last Post" is played by the buglers of the Royal Marines. "The Rouse" is then played by the trumpeters of the Royal Air Force, after which, to Beethoven's "Death March," wreaths are laid by attendees in the following order: the Queen; senior members of the Royal Family attending in military uniform; the Prime Minister; the leaders of the major political parties from all parts of the United Kingdom; Commonwealth High Commissioners to London, on behalf of their respective nations; the Foreign Secretary, on behalf of the British Dependencies; the Chief of the Defence Staff; the First Sea Lord; the Chief of the General Staff; the Chief of the Air Staff; representatives of the merchant navy and Fishing Fleets and the merchant air service. Junior members of the Royal Family usually watch the service from the balcony of the Foreign Office. The service is generally conducted by the Bishop of London, with a choir from the Chapels Royal, in the presence of representatives of all major faiths in the United Kingdom. Before the marching commences, the members of the Royal Family and public sing the national anthem before the Royal Delegation lead out after the main service.

Members of the Metropolitan Police Cadets and British Army Cadets join in with the marching, alongside paramedics from St. John Ambulance and the London Ambulance Service, and conflict veterans from WW1, WW2, the Falklands, Kosovo, Bosnia, Northern Ireland and the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. After the service, there is a parade of veterans, who also lay wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph as they pass, and a salute is taken by a member of the Royal Family at Horse Guards Parade.

Outside the Commonwealth

Republic of Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, Armistice or Remembrance Day is not a public holiday or a day generally observed, although it is observed by the Republic’s citizens who are serving or who have served in the British Armed Forces[7] and the wider Irish Protestant communuity as part of their traditon and heritage[8][9]. The Republic is a neutral state and has its own small army which is involved in UN peacekeeping missions; citizens of the Republic of Ireland still enlist in the British Army[10][11]. The Irish National War Memorial Gardens is an Irish war memorial in Dublin dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who were killed in action in World War 1[12]. Remembrance Sunday is marked in the Republic by a ceremony in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, in which the President of Ireland attends[13][14][15].

United States

Veterans Day is commemorated in the United States on 11 November, and is both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states. However, the function of the observance elsewhere is more closely matched by Memorial Day in May. In the United States, and some other allied nations, 11 November was formerly known as Armistice Day; in the United States it was given its new name after the end of World War II. Most schools, particularly more middle and high schools than some elementary schools, throughout the U.S. usually hold assemblies on a school day prior, with various presentations recognizing teachers and staff members who served in one of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, as well as remembering the U.S. troops who died in past and present wars, and some patriotic music by a school choir, band and/or orchestra, including songs from a musical used as a tribute to the troops (e.g. "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables).

Germany

In Germany, Armistice or Remembrance Day is unknown. Public memory of World War I in Germany is generally scarce. Moreover, 11 November would be seen as an inappropriate date for such a holiday, as it traditionally marks the beginning of the German carnival. However, Volkstrauertag is commemorated. Originally this was on the fifth Sunday before Easter, but since 1952, has been celebrated two Sundays before the beginning of Advent. It has never been celebrated in the church since both the major German churches have their own festivals for commemorating the dead (All Souls Day in the case of the Roman Catholic church, Ewigkeitssonntag, or "Eternity Sunday" in the case of the Lutheran church. Both festivals also fall in November.) [citation needed]

Anglican and Roman Catholics

For Anglican and Roman Catholic Christians, there is a coincidental but appropriate overlap of Remembrance Day with the feast of St. Martin of Tours, a saint famous for putting aside his life as a soldier and turning to the peace-filled life of a monk. Statues or images associated with St. Martin are for this reason sometimes used as symbols of Remembrance Day in religious contexts (e.g., the Anglican Cathedral of Montreal).

Poppies

Wreaths of artificial poppies used as a symbol of remembrance.
Poppies are sold every year as an act of remembrance to fallen soldiers at war.

The poppy's significance to Remembrance Day is a result of Canadian military physician John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy emblem was chosen because of the poppies that bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their red colour an appropriate symbol for the bloodshed of trench warfare. A Frenchwoman, Anna E. Guérin, introduced the widely used artificial poppies given out today. Some people choose to wear white poppies, which emphasises a desire for peaceful alternatives to military action.

Canada

In Canadian tradition, the poppy is worn by many members of society during the two weeks prior to November 11. Until 1996, poppies were made by disabled veterans in Canada, but they have since been made by a private contractor.[16]

United Kingdom

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland the poppies are the flat Earl Haig variety with a leaf. Wearers require a separate pin to attach the poppy to their clothing. In Northern Ireland, because the poppy honours soldiers in the British Army and due to The Troubles, it is worn primarily by members of the Unionist and the Irish Protestant community.

Poppy variations

In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland the poppies are curled at the petals with no leaf. The Canadian poppies consist of two pieces and a pin to attach them to clothing. The head portion of the pin is bent at an angle in a simple unusual design that requires a unique machine at manufacturing. For many years the centre of the Canadian poppy was both black and green (from two small concentric circles made of felt - the outer was green and the inner was black); current designs are black only.

In Sri Lanka in the inter-war years, there were rival sales of yellow Suriya (portia tree) flowers by the Suriya-Mal Movement on Remembrance Day, since funds from poppy sales were not used for Sri Lankan ex-service personnel but were repatriated to Britain. However, nowadays poppy sales are used for indigenous ex-service personnel who have been disabled in the ongoing civil war.

Name

"Remembrance Day" is the primary designation for the day in many Commonwealth countries such as Australia and Canada. However, "Armistice Day" also remains, often to differentiate the event from Remembrance Sunday, and is the primary designation used in New Zealand and France.

"Poppy Day" is also a popular term used, particularly in Malta and South Africa. Veterans Day also falls upon this day in the United States, yet many other allied nations have quite different Veterans Days.

See also

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Remembrance Day (Canada).
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Remembrance Day (United Kingdom).

Notes

  1. ^ "The Remembrance Ceremony". rsa.org.nz. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ A Guide to Commemorative Services - Veterans Affairs Canada
  3. ^ Royal Canadian Legion: National Remembrance Day Ceremony 2007
  4. ^ French, Janet (2007-11-13). "First Nations vets remember at Wanuskewin". StarPhoenix. Retrieved 2007-11-13. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  5. ^ "Papua New Guinea marks Remembrance Day". Sydney Morning Herald. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "War dead remembered". BBC. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ http://www.irishtimes.com/focus/thesomme/p7top.htm
  8. ^ http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/index.asp?docID=2744
  9. ^ http://www.stmaelruains.ie/2007/10/remembrance-day.html
  10. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/north-and-south-of-ireland-fighting-the-taliban-together-13922458.html
  11. ^ http://www.independent.ie/national-news/irish-soldier-killed-in-bomb-blast-told-of-afghan-fears-1470617.html
  12. ^ http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/index.asp?docID=2746
  13. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1650036.stm
  14. ^ http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kfcwauqlaukf/
  15. ^ http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1111/6news_av.html?2307800,null,230
  16. ^ http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/campaign_e.cfm

6. "The Origin of the Two Minutes of Silence,"in Our Empire, vol. VI, no 8, 1931, p. 27.

References

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