IV 

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 SouthVerDate Nov 24 2008 02:16 Jun 16, 2009 Jkt 079200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR546.IH HR546

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•HRES 546 IH 

western 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 

1 Resolved, That— 

2 (1) the House of Representatives recognizes the 

3 historical significance of Juneteenth Independence 

4 Day to the Nation; 


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•HRES 546 IH 

1 (2) the House of Representatives supports the 

2 continued celebration of Juneteenth Independence 

3 Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the 

4 United States to learn more about the past and to 

5 better understand the experiences that have shaped 

6 the Nation; and 

7 (3) it is the sense of the House of Representa8 tives that— 

9 (A) history should be regarded as a means 

10 for understanding the past and more effectively 

11 facing the challenges of the future; and 

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

13 an important and enriching part of the history 

14 and heritage of the United States. 

Æ 


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