[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H3933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. LAMPSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today in the Ninth Congressional District 
in my State of Texas, we celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day.
  President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 
1863 to abolish slavery, but it was not until June 19, 1865, 132 years 
ago today, that U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX in my 
district to announce that the State's 200,000 slaves were free.
  Although this holiday originated in Texas, it is being celebrated 
throughout our Nation today. I encourage all Americans to join with me 
and with the citizens of Texas, not only in celebration, but to take a 
moment to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and remember those 
African-Americans who have been slaves and who suffered and struggled 
to move from slavery to freedom.
  And finally, Mr. Speaker, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: ``We 
must use time creatively in the knowledge that the time is always ripe 
to do right.''

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