[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9383-9384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMEMORATING JUNETEENTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2012

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth, commemorated on June 19 
each year, marks the date of the reading of the Emancipation 
Proclamation by U.S. Army Major Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas to 
slaves unaware of the original issuance two years prior.
  The date carries significance as the official end of one era in 
American history that led to the freedom-filled chapter of the next for 
the millions who were liberated by the Proclamation.
  As our Nation evolves toward legally recognizing a more inclusive 
citizenry of all ethnicities and backgrounds, let us remain ever 
mindful of the courageous and brave individuals who fought tirelessly, 
but were not granted freedom and liberty under American law.
  Mr. Speaker, we must not take our civil rights for granted, but 
rather use them to continuously propel our great country forward. 
History is not meant for mere storytelling, but instead serves as a 
blueprint from which we learn and expand upon the discoveries we 
encounter each day.

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  May we take away from the events of Juneteenth the spirit of resolve 
and unified commitment of liberty and justice for all.

                          ____________________