[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15433]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 231--RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF 
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY AND EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT 
 HISTORY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS A MEANS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE PAST AND 
                  SOLVING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE

  Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Levin, Mr. Reid, Mr. Obama, Ms. 
Stabenow, and Mr. Brownback) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 231

       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 celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as 
     inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas, for more than 140 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, 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 
     understand better 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) 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. DURBIN. Mr. President, today Senator Levin and I are introducing 
a resolution recognizing the historic Juneteenth Independence Day. June 
19 is an ordinary day for many Americans but is a significant day for 
those who know its history. Juneteenth Independence Day celebrates June 
19, 1865, when 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.
  Americans across the United States continue the tradition of 
celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as an inspiration and 
encouragement for future generations. This legislation recognizes the 
historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and supports its 
continued celebration as an opportunity for the people of the United 
States to learn more about the past and to understand more fully the 
experiences that have shaped our nation.
  As Americans, we must remember the lessons learned from slavery. 
Juneteenth is a day that all Americans, of all races, creeds and ethnic 
backgrounds, can celebrate freedom and the end of slavery in the United 
States. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to recognize historic 
Juneteenth Independence Day and support this important resolution.

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