This resolution commemorates June 19, 2025, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" , acknowledging the historical significance of June 19, 1865. On this date, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing news of the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth began as a holiday in Texas and has since become a federal holiday celebrated across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It serves as a special day of observance to honor African-American freedom, encourage self-development, and respect all cultures, reflecting the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves and their descendants. The Senate resolves to commemorate this day, recognize its historical importance to the United States, and support its continued nationwide celebration. This ongoing observance provides an opportunity for people to learn more about the past and better understand the experiences that have shaped the nation, acknowledging the end of slavery as a vital part of U.S. history and heritage.