On the recordJune 20, 2011
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements relating to the measure be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 211) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: S. Res. 211 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\1/2\ 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 19th, 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 145 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; and Whereas the faith and strength o…





