[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 160 Introduced in House (IH)]






109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 160

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, 
and expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as 
 a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the 
                                future.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 19, 2005

Mr. Davis of Illinois (for himself, Mr. Boswell, Mr. Owens, Ms. Corrine 
Brown of Florida, Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan, Mr. Hastings of Florida, 
 Mr. Payne, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Watt, 
 Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. Jones of Ohio, and 
  Mr. Honda) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
             referred to the Committee on Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, 
and expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as 
 a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the 
                                future.

Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier areas of the United 
        States, and in particular the Southwestern States, for more than 2 years 
        after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, 
        and months after the conclusion of the Civil War;
Whereas on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger 
        arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and 
        that the enslaved were free;
Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 
        19, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as the anniversary of 
        their emancipation;
Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the tradition of 
        Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for future 
        generations;
Whereas for more than 135 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have 
        been held to honor African American freedom while encouraging self-
        development and respect for all cultures;
Whereas although Juneteenth Independence Day is beginning to be recognized as a 
        national, and even global, event, the history behind the celebration 
        should not be forgotten; and
Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves 
        remains an example for all people of the United States, regardless of 
        background, religion, or race: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That--
            (1) Congress recognizes the historical significance of 
        Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;
            (2) Congress supports the continued celebration of 
        Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the 
        people of the United States to learn more about the past and to 
        better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation;
            (3) the President is urged to issue a proclamation calling 
        on the people of the United States to observe Juneteenth 
        Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
        programs; and
            (4) it is the sense of Congress that--
                    (A) history should be regarded as a means for 
                understanding the past and solving the challenges of 
                the future; and
                    (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is an 
                important and enriching part of the history and 
                heritage of the United States.
                                 <all>