Barbara Boxer: “today I rise to mark ``Juneteenth,'' the day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger issued his order proclaiming America's…”

“today I rise to mark ``Juneteenth,'' the day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger issued his order proclaiming America's remaining slaves free. On June 19, 1865, MG Gordon Granger and a group of Union soldiers landed at Galveston, TX. With their landing, they announced that the war had ended and that the slaves were now free. This was more than 2 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had little impact in Texas. Though initially celebrated in Galveston, TX, Juneteenth is now observed nationwide. Americans from all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Juneteenth. And while this day holds a special resonance for descendants of slaves, Juneteenth provides an important opportunity for us all to commemorate a central tenent of our great country: that we are all created equal. This Juneteenth let us all celebrate this milestone in the struggle for liberty by recommitting ourselves to the advancement of justice for all. The stain of slavery can never be erased from the history of our Nation, and should never be forgotten. In celebrating Juneteenth, we also honor those who suffered under slavery and help to further our understanding of our Nation's history. One of the most common elements of Juneteenth celebrations is the singing of ``Lift Every Voice and Sing,'' written by James Weldon Johnson.…”