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 Penn-
sylvania, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. AL GREEN of 
Texas, Ms. WATERS, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HARE, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. RA-
HALL, and Mr. BACA) submitted the following resolution; which was re-
ferred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Inde-
pendence 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 South-
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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-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, That— 
(1) the House of Representatives recognizes the 
historical significance of Juneteenth Independence 
Day to the Nation; 
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•HRES 546 IH 
(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 Representa-
tives 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. 
Æ 
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