Submitted Resolutions

Floor Speech

SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - June 12, 2007)

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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