IV 
109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 160
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 solving the challenges of the 
future. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 19, 2005
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois (for himself, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. OWENS, Ms. CORRINE 
BROWN of Florida, Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan, Mr. HASTINGS of Flor-
ida, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. VAN
HOLLEN, Mr. 
MCDERMOTT, Mr. WATT, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. 
GRIJALVA, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, and Mr. HONDA) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Govern-
ment Reform 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Inde-
pendence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress 
that history should be regarded as a means for under-
standing the past and solving the challenges of the fu-
ture.
Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier 
areas of the United States, and in particular the South-
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;
•HCON 160 IH 
Whereas on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major Gen-
eral 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 Amer-
ican freedom while encouraging self-development and re-
spect 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 by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That—
(1) Congress recognizes the historical signifi-
cance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Na-
tion;
•HCON 160 IH 
(2) Congress supports the continued celebration 
of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an op-
portunity for the people of the United States to 
learn more about the past and to better understand 
the experiences that have shaped the Nation; 
(3) the President is urged to issue a proclama-
tion calling on the people of the United States to ob-
serve Juneteenth Independence Day with appro-
priate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and 
(4) it is the sense of Congress that—
(A) history should be regarded as a means 
for understanding the past and solving the chal-
lenges 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.
Æ