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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 546 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 546

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, 
 and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that history 
   should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more 
            effectively facing the challenges of the future.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 15, 2009

Mr. Davis of Illinois (for himself, Mr. Filner, Mr. Meeks of New York, 
   Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Ms. Edwards of Maryland, Mrs. Maloney, Ms. 
   Jackson-Lee of Texas, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Clay, Mr. Cummings, Ms. 
  Fudge, Ms. Norton, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Massa, Mr. Scott of 
 Virginia, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Pierluisi, Mr. Ellison, 
  Mr. Snyder, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Fattah, Mr. Towns, Mr. Perriello, Mr. 
    Payne, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Ms. Corrine Brown of 
Florida, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, Mr. Johnson 
    of Georgia, Ms. Woolsey, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Ms. Waters, Mr. 
 Grijalva, Mr. Hare, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Rahall, and Mr. Baca) submitted 
   the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                    Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, 
 and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives 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 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
    Resolved, That--
            (1) the House of Representatives recognizes the historical 
        significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;
            (2) the House of Representatives 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 better understand the experiences that 
        have shaped the Nation; and
            (3) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
                    (A) history should be regarded as a means for 
                understanding the past and more effectively facing 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.
                                 <all>
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