Thomas Daschle: “Today we recognize the date upon which slavery finally came to an end in the United States, June 19, 1865, also known as…”

“Today we recognize the date upon which slavery finally came to an end in the United States, June 19, 1865, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day. It was only on this day that slaves in the Southwest finally learned of the end of slavery. Since that time, for over 130 years, the descendants of slaves have celebrated this day in honor of the many unfortunate people who lived and suffered under slavery. Their suffering can never be repaired, but their memory can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever perpetrated again on American soil. We commemorate Juneteenth Independence Day to honor the struggles of these slaves and former slaves, to acknowledge their suffering and so that we may never forget even the worst aspects of our Nation's history. But this day and this joint resolution in honor of the end of slavery should also make us feel proud, proud that we as a nation have come so far toward advancing the goals of freedom and justice for all of our citizens.”