From Sen Burris website:
Senator Burris Sponsors Juneteenth Resolution Observing End of Slavery in America
Today, Senator Roland W. Burris introduced a resolution observing the historical significance of the Juneteenth Independence Day. The Juneteenth Independence Day is observed every June 19th and honors the widely recognized end of slavery in America when, nearly two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves were finally told of their freedom.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were free. From that point on, former slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19thas the anniversary of their emancipation.
SENATOR BURRIS: Over the past 140 years, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to both honor African-American freedom and serve as a symbol of encouragement for the development and enrichment of cultures everywhere. In observing Juneteenth, it is important that we celebrate the end of slavery as a major step in guaranteeing equal rights for every American. We must continue to work to ensure that all in this nation have a chance to fulfill the American dream.
Joining Senator Burris as cosponsors of the bill were Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Kristen Gillebrand (D-NY), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), and Carl Levin (D-MI).
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