On the recordJune 19, 1997
today in the Ninth Congressional District in my State of Texas, we celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to abolish slavery, but it was not until June 19, 1865, 132 years ago today, that U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, TX in my district to announce that the State's 200,000 slaves were free. Although this holiday originated in Texas, it is being celebrated throughout our Nation today. I encourage all Americans to join with me and with the citizens of Texas, not only in celebration, but to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and remember those African-Americans who have been slaves and who suffered and struggled to move from slavery to freedom. And finally, Mr. Speaker, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "We must use time creatively in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right."
Source
govinfo.gov
