[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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    SENATE RESOLUTION 496--OBSERVING THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF 
                      JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. LEVIN (for himself, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. 
Cornyn, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mrs. Boxer, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Harkin, Mr. 
Begich, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Warner, Mr. Webb, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. 
Leahy, Mr. Casey, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Lautenberg, and Mr. 
Schumer) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

                              S. Res. 496

       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\1/2\ years after 
     President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which 
     was issued on 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 celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as 
     inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas, for more than 145 years, Juneteenth Independence 
     Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American 
     freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for 
     all cultures; and
       Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by 
     former slaves remain an example for all people of the United 
     States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That--
       (1) the Senate--
       (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 the Senate that--
       (A) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important 
     and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United 
     States; and
       (B) history should be regarded as a means for understanding 
     the past and solving the challenges of the future.

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