SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 962
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
	recognize the Limestone County 19th of June Organization on the
	occasion of the 150th anniversary of the reading of the
	Emancipation Proclamation and its celebration at Comanche
	Crossing; and
	WHEREAS, On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger
	read the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, the event that
	marked the end of slavery in Texas and throughout the South; and
	WHEREAS, The Emancipation Proclamation was also read on
	the Stroud Plantation in Limestone County, and the planation's
	large population of newly freed slaves gathered at Comanche
	Crossing, on the banks of the Navasota River, to celebrate; the
	ensuing festivities became one of the first recognized
	Juneteenth celebrations in the nation's history; and
	WHEREAS, The Stroud family later gave the land at Comanche
	Crossing to the freed slaves, and Juneteenth has since been
	celebrated each year at the site, known today as Booker
	T. Washington Park and situated on Lake Mexia; and
	WHEREAS, For over 100 years, the Limestone County 19th of
	June Organization has worked to preserve the landmark site and to
	plan the annual Juneteenth celebration, and this year marks a
	truly special anniversary of this historic day in Texas history;
	now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
	Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Limestone County
	19th of June Organization for their exemplary efforts to honor
	Juneteenth in Texas and extend to them best wishes for a memorable
	150th anniversary Juneteenth celebration; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	the organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
	Schwertner
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on May 22, 2015.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate