85S12431 KSM-D
By: Collier H.R. No. 381
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For more than 150 years, the observance of
Juneteenth on June 19 has provided an opportunity to celebrate the
fundamental principles of liberty and equality; and
WHEREAS, Although President Lincoln delivered the
Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freedom came gradually and at
different times to various states, particularly those in the
southwest region of the country; it was on June 19, 1865, that
General Gordon Granger arrived with his troops at Galveston and
issued General Order Number 3, which stated "The people of Texas are
informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive
of the United States, all slaves are free"; the long-delayed
tidings traveled throughout the state to reach approximately
250,000 Texans who had been held in bondage; and
WHEREAS, Large celebrations on June 19 began the following
year, and early on, they typically included a prayer service,
inspirational speakers, a reading of the Emancipation
Proclamation, and such festive elements as barbecue, games, rodeos,
and dances; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize
Juneteenth as an official holiday; today, nearly all 50 states and
the District of Columbia observe some form of a Juneteenth
Independence Day, and the festivities have spread to other
countries as well; and
WHEREAS, The observance of Juneteenth provides a welcome
opportunity to mark the end of slavery in America while paying
homage to the myriad achievements and immeasurable fortitude of the
African American community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby respectfully urge the
Congress of the United States to declare Juneteenth a national
holiday; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the chief clerk forward official copies of
this resolution to the president of the United States, to the
president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of
Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the
members of the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that
this resolution be entered into the Congressional Record as a
memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.