[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 19, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S6456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 51--RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL 
SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY AND EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF 
CONGRESS THAT HISTORY BE REGARDED AS A MEANS OF UNDERSTANDING THE PAST 
                AND SOLVING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE

  Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself and Mr. Lott) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                            S. Con. Res. 51

       Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier 
     areas of the Nation, especially in the southwestern United 
     States, until long after the conclusion of the Civil War;
       Whereas the African Americans who had been slaves in the 
     Southwest thereafter celebrated June 19, known as Juneteenth 
     Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation;
       Whereas those African Americans handed down that tradition 
     from generation to generation as an inspiration and 
     encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have thus 
     been held for 136 years to honor the memory of all those who 
     endured slavery and especially those who moved from slavery 
     to freedom; and
       Whereas the faith and strength of character shown by those 
     former slaves remains an example for all people of the United 
     States, regardless of background, region, or race: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That--
       (1) Congress recognizes the historical significance of 
     Juneteenth Independence Day, an important date in the 
     Nation's history, and encourages the continued celebration of 
     that day to provide an opportunity for all people of the 
     United States to learn more about the past and to better 
     understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
       (2) 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;
       (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important 
     and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United 
     States; and
       (C) the Secretary of the Senate should transmit a copy of 
     this concurrent resolution to the National Association of 
     Juneteenth Lineage as an expression of appreciation for the 
     association's role in promoting the observance of the end of 
     slavery.

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