III 

Calendar No. 210 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 155 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

JUNE 19, 2007 

Received and placed on the calendar 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress 

that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future. 

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 

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HCON 155 PCS 

Juneteenth Independence Day, as the anniversary of 

their emancipation; 

Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the 

tradition of Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration 

and encouragement for future generations; 

Whereas for more than 135 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 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That— 

3 (1) Congress recognizes the historical signifi4 cance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Na5 tion; 

6 (2) Congress supports the continued celebration 

7 of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an op8 portunity for the people of the United States to 

9 learn more about the past and to better understand 

10 the experiences that have shaped the Nation; 

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HCON 155 PCS 

1 (3) the President is urged to issue a proclama2 tion calling on the people of the United States to ob3 serve Juneteenth Independence Day with appro4 priate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and 

5 (4) it is the sense of Congress that— 

6 (A) history should be regarded as a means 

7 for understanding the past and more effectively 

8 facing the challenges of the future; and 

9 (B) the celebration of the end of slavery is 

10 an important and enriching part of the history 

11 and heritage of the United States. 

Passed the House of Representatives June 18, 2007. 

Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, 

Clerk. 

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Calendar No. 210 

110TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 155 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the historical significance of 

future. and more effectively facing the challenges of the garded as a means for understanding the past the sense of Congress that history should be reJuneteenth Independence Day, and expressing 

JUNE 19, 2007 

Received and placed on the calendar 

mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with BILLS