[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to pledge my support 
for the commemoration of June 19 as ``Juneteenth Independence Day.'' 
This day marks a significant occurrence in American history, a day 
every American should reflect upon and remember.
  Mr. President, June 19 is a day when all African-Americans were 
finally liberated from the bondage of slaveowners. Although President 
Lincoln signed the revolutionary Emancipation Proclamation on January 
1, 1865, many slaves were still denied their lawful freedom. It was not 
until June 19, 1865, that all slaveowners officially recognized and 
abided by the dictates of the Emancipation Proclamation.
  For too many years, African-Americans were denied basic rights and 
liberties that today all Americans enjoy. I stand here today, 132 years 
later, to express my view that this shameful aspect of American history 
should never be forgotten. For these reasons, I proudly endorse Senate 
Resolution 11. This significant legislative endeavor reminds every 
citizen of the unspeakable horrors to which many of our fellow 
Americans were subjected. It is my hope that every June 19 from this 
year forward will be celebrated as ``Juneteenth Independence Day.'' It 
also is my hope that this day will serve as a reminder, of our past and 
a bridge all of us can use to overcome our differences and unite as 
Americans.
  Mr. President, I believe commemoration of ``Juneteenth Independence 
Day'' warrants support from all members of the U.S. Senate. As a 
cosponsor of Senate Resolution 11, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
officially recognizing this important day.

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