[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I support H. Res. 1237, a 
resolution recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth. The 
holiday of Juneteenth is an important opportunity to recognize the 
abolition of slavery in the United States. This holiday commemorates 
the emancipation of African Americans from the final vestiges of 
bondage in our Nation. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger 
led Union troops into Galveston, Texas, and announced that all slaves 
had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration of 
Juneteenth recognizes that day, two and a half years after Lincoln's 
proclamation, as the first opportunity for Union troops to penetrate 
Texan military resistance to announce and enforce the Emancipation 
Proclamation.
  On June 19, 1865, after overcoming extreme opposition from Southern 
slave owners, General Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas. Beginning 
his fateful announcement, he said, ``The people of Texas are informed 
that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United 
States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of 
rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and 
the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between 
employer and free laborer.''
  These words brought forth the emancipation of 250,000 Texas slaves 
who were among the last people to learn of their freedom. Granger's 
statement marked the full realization of life, liberty, and the pursuit 
of happiness as intended by the Founding Fathers of our great Nation. 
The date of June 19, 1865 symbolizes the genius of our country's 
struggle to bring about a more perfect union, a struggle that continues 
to this very day.
  I take this opportunity to recognize the historical significance of 
Juneteenth as a holiday which celebrates African American freedom while 
also encouraging self-pride and multicultural respect. I also thank 
Congressman Danny Davis for sponsoring H. Res. 1237, a commendable 
resolution that I wholeheartedly support. I knowledge and support the 
historical significance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or 
Emancipation Day.

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