[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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      SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 42--RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL 
  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY, AND EXPRESSING THE 
   SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT HISTORY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS A MEANS FOR 
    UNDERSTANDING THE PAST AND SOLVING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE

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

                            S. Con. Res. 42

       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 Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and 
     encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas for more than 135 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 by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That--
       (1) Congress--
       (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 better 
     understand 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 Congress 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.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this week there will be celebrations in 
observance of 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 on this date that slaves in the Southwest finally learned 
of the end of slavery. Although passage of the 13th amendment in 
January 1863, legally abolished slavery, many African Americans 
remained in servitude due to the slow dissemination of this news across 
the country. Since that time, over 130 years ago, the descendants of 
slaves have observed this anniversary of emancipation as a remembrance 
of one of the most tragic periods of our nation's history. The 
suffering, degradation and brutality of slavery cannot be repaired, but 
the memory can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever 
perpetrated again on American soil.
  Throughout the Nation, we also celebrate the many important 
achievements of former slaves and their descendants. We do so because 
in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, son of former slaves, proposed such a 
recognition as a way of preserving the history of African Americans and 
recognizing the enormous contributions of a people of great strength, 
dignity, faith and conviction--a people who rendered their achievements 
for the betterment and advancement of a Nation once lacking in humanity 
towards them. Every February, nationwide, we celebrate African American 
History Month. And, every year on June 19 we celebrate ``Juneteenth 
Independence Day.''
  I am happy to join with my colleague, Senator Barack Obama, in 
commemorating Juneteenth Independence Day with the submission of S. 
Con. Res. 42, in recognition of the end of slavery and to never forget 
even the worst aspects of our Nation's history.

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