FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
Sen. Hutchison Introduces Legislation Honoring Juneteenth Independence Day
WASHINGTON, DC - On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers reached Galveston, TX and announced that the Civil War had ended and that slaves had been emancipated. In commemoration of that historic day when then-slaves on our southwestern border first heard about President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Senator Hutchison today co-sponsored a resolution in the United States Senate honoring the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.
“Since that extraordinary day in 1865, Texans have celebrated Juneteenth and all this day has come mean for our nation,” said Sen. Hutchison. “By commemorating this day, the U.S. Senate will honor the role that Juneteenth has played in African-American culture in Texas and throughout the Southwest, and it will remind us that, in America, we are all blessed to live in freedom.”
The resolution reads:
“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 and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which was issued on 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 celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
“Whereas for more than 140 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 nation, and even global, event, the history being 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 the Senate recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation; 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 understand better the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and encourages the people of the United States to observe Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs; and it is the sense of the Senate the celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States; and history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and solving the challenges of the future.”
Across the nation, 31 states now celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday.
This resolution is sponsored by Sens. Roland Burris (D-IL), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY).
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