[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16626-16627]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             JUNETEENTH DAY

  Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise to recognize Juneteenth Day, a yearly 
commemoration of the abolition of slavery in our country.
  As a nation we value and appreciate the freedom and independence 
Juneteenth Day represents. Historically, Juneteenth Day has been a 
celebration of our country's rich African-American heritage and has 
promoted awareness about the history of African American sacrifice.
  A great celebration took place on June 19, 1865, when slavery was 
finally abolished 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Fishing, 
festivals, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical 
Juneteenth activities people enjoy today. Juneteenth has long been a 
day of education and enlightenment and often includes guest speakers 
and prayer services.
  I believe that observing Juneteeth Day is necessary to truly embrace 
the equality and freedom our country represents. We live in a 
culturally diverse

[[Page 16627]]

nation and celebrations like Juneteenth Day encourage us to understand 
and respect the differences that make our country great.
  It is imperative that we continue the work of achieving racial and 
ethnic harmony and I am honored to acknowledge this important day. I 
commend the tremendous dedication of the people who participate in the 
annual Juneteenth Day celebrations.

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