Reid Statement On The 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth

Press Release

Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers rode into Galveston, Texas to inform slaves of Galveston that they were free men and women. The slaves of Galveston, Texas, were the last to learn of their freedom over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and nearly five months after Congress passed the 13th amendment abolishing slavery. In the years since, Juneteenth is a day that has come to be marked by celebrations of freedom and reflections on our past.

"On this day 150 years ago, our nation reached a crucial turning point. A point that marked the beginning of the long struggle to secure freedom, justice and equality for all Americans. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, we honor those who upheld the fight for freedom and equality throughout our nation's history. There is no greater memorial to the suffering endured by slavery than the defense of civil rights.

"We must fight to win new victories against racial disparities and stand strong in defense of the battles we have already won. The heinous shooting at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina, should serve as a reminder to us all that we still have work to do. The senseless violence perpetrated by the cold-blooded murderer is an indication that hatred and discrimination still exist in our society. We have all inherited the responsibility to rid our nation of that scourge.

"As we mark the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth may we recommit ourselves to preserving the values our Founding Fathers set for the United States: Liberty and justice for all."

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