[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 6 (Thursday, January 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

   By Mr. LOTT (for himself, Mr. Daschle, Mr. Levin, and Ms. Moseley-
                                Braun):

  S.J. Res. 11. A joint resolution commemorating Juneteenth 
Independence Day, June 19, 1865, the day on which slavery finally came 
to an end in the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.


     THE JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION JOINT RESOLUTION

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce today, on behalf 
of myself and Senator Daschle, the distinguished minority leader, a 
joint resolution concerning what has long been known as Juneteenth 
Independence Day.
  Joining us as original sponsors of this resolution are Senators Levin 
and Moseley-Braun, who offered similar legislation in the 104th 
Congress.
  The observance of Juneteenth has long been a tradition among black 
Americans. It commemorates the days in mid-June, 1865, when news of the 
end of slavery finally reached frontier areas of the country, 
especially in the American Southwest.
  The African-Americans who then moved into freedom, and began new 
lives as citizens of the Republic, kept alive the memory of that 
occasion for their descendants.
  Generation by generation, the experiences of the past have been 
preserved and shared. They have given us lessons in faith, in courage, 
and in perseverance.
  Today, the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage fosters the 
observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, not only among those 
families whose ancestors were directly affected by it, but also among 
the general public. The association will be meeting this year in Dallas 
from January 23 to January 25.
  The introduction of this joint resolution by the two Senate leaders 
is a timely expression of the Senate's regard and appreciation for the 
association's efforts.
  I should mention that this joint resolution is especially appropriate 
as we prepare to observe February as Black History Month, which, to 
borrow the words of the resolution, ``provides an opportunity for all 
Americans to learn more about our common past and to better understand 
the experiences that have shaped our nation.''
  With that in mind, I know Senator Daschle joins me in inviting our 
colleagues, from all regions of the country, to cosponsor this 
legislation.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint 
resolution be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the joint resolution was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 11

       Whereas news of the end of slavery came late to frontier 
     areas of the country, especially in the American Southwest,
       Whereas the African-Americans who had been slaves in the 
     Southwest thereafter celebrated June 19 as the anniversary of 
     their emancipation,
       Whereas their descendants handed down that tradition from 
     generation to generation as an inspiration and encouragement 
     for future generations,
       Whereas Juneteenth celebrations have thus been held for 130 
     years to honor the memory of all those who endured slavery 
     and especially those who moved from slavery to freedom,
       Whereas their example of faith and strength of character 
     remains a lesson for all Americans today, regardless of 
     background or region or race, now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled,
       That the annual observance of June 19 as Juneteenth 
     Independence Day is an important and enriching part of our 
     country's history and heritage, and
       That the celebration of Juneteenth provides an opportunity 
     for all Americans to learn more about our common past and to 
     better understand the experiences that have shaped our 
     nation, and
       That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the 
     National Association of Juneteenth Lineage as an expression 
     of appreciation for its role in promoting the observance of 
     Juneteenth Independence Day.

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today we recognize the date upon which 
slavery finally came to an end in the United States, June 19, 1865, 
also known as Juneteenth Independence Day. It was only on this day that 
slaves in the Southwest finally learned of the end of slavery. Since 
that time, for over 130 years, the descendants of slaves have 
celebrated this day in honor of the many unfortunate people who lived 
and suffered under slavery. Their suffering can never be repaired, but 
their memory can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever 
perpetrated again on American soil. We commemorate Juneteenth 
Independence Day to honor the struggles of these slaves and former 
slaves, to acknowledge their suffering and so that we may never forget 
even the worst aspects of our Nation's history.
  But this day and this joint resolution in honor of the end of slavery 
should also make us feel proud, proud that we as a nation have come so 
far toward advancing the goals of freedom and justice for all of our 
citizens. While we must continue ever forward in the search for 
justice, we should be thankful that the tireless efforts of vigilant 
Americans have enabled us to achieve a society built on democratic 
principles and the recognition that all men and women are created 
equal.

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