[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 134 (Tuesday, September 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING OHIO'S EMANCIPATION DAY

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                           HON. STEVE AUSTRIA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2009

  Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Ohio's Emancipation 
Day. On this day in 1862, following the battle of Antietam, President 
Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary executive order, essentially 
setting a date for the emancipation of all slaves in rebellious states. 
Lincoln would go on to sign the final Emancipation Proclamation in 
January of 1863, thereby abolishing slavery altogether.
  My home state of Ohio has long acknowledged September 22nd as 
Emancipation Day, and therefore I would like to take this opportunity 
to reflect on this milestone in our nation's history.
  In addition, I would like to recognize Mr. Paul LaRue, a well-
respected educator at Washington Court House High School and the 
efforts he and his students have made to educate the public about the 
importance of honoring this day. I will conclude with a quote from Ohio 
Congressman, James Ashley, who held office at the time the Emancipation 
Proclamation was issued: ``If slavery is wrong and criminal, as the 
great body of enlightened and Christian men admit, it is certainly our 
duty to abolish it.''

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