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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, For more than 100 years, the observance of |
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Juneteenth on June 19 has provided an opportunity to celebrate the |
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fundamental principles of liberty and equality; and |
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WHEREAS, Although President Lincoln delivered the |
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Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freedom came gradually and at |
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different times to various states; it was on June 19, 1865, that |
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General Gordon Granger, Union commander of the Department of Texas, |
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arrived with his troops at Galveston and issued General Order |
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Number 3, which stated, "The people of Texas are informed that, in |
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accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United |
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States, all slaves are free"; the long-delayed tidings traveled |
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throughout the state to reach approximately 250,000 Texans who had |
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been held in bondage; and |
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WHEREAS, Large celebrations on June 19 began the following |
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year, and early on, they typically included a prayer service, |
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inspirational speakers, a reading of the Emancipation |
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Proclamation, and such festive elements as barbecue, games, rodeos, |
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and dances; slowly, the tradition spread to neighboring states and |
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beyond, and during the 66th Texas Legislature, the passage of House |
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Bill 1016 declared June 19 to be "Emancipation Day in Texas" and |
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established an official state holiday effective January 1, 1980; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, In coming together each year to commemorate |
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Juneteenth, Texans reaffirm the ideals on which this nation was |
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founded and honor the myriad achievements and immeasurable |
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fortitude of the African American community in the Lone Star State; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Ms. Opal Lee was a driving force behind the |
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rejuvenation of Juneteenth celebrations in Fort Worth in the 1970s |
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and has tirelessly organized the Fort Worth Juneteenth Celebration |
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for the last 39 years; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby commend Ms. Lee for her distinguished |
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contributions to the community; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commemorate |
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Juneteenth 2013 and encourage all citizens to learn more about the |
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rich history of this important event. |
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Collier |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 2998 was adopted by the House on May |
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26, 2013, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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