[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 159 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 159

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 21, 2009

 Mr. Burris submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                     the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day 
and expressing the sense of the Senate 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 
        celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement 
        for future generations;
Whereas for more than 140 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, That--
            (1) the Senate--
                    (A) recognizes the historical significance of 
                Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;
                    (B) 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 understand better the experiences that 
                have shaped the Nation; and
                    (C) encourages the people of the United States to 
                observe Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs; and
            (2) it is the sense of the Senate 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>