Pres Obama's Message to Commemorate 150th Anniversary of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2012
Message from the President to Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, boldly declaring that on New Years Day, 1863, all people held as slaves in areas in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free. One hundred and fifty years after that historic event, we recognize an important milestone in the American story and reflect on the progress we have made toward realizing our Nations founding promise of liberty and justice for all.
Though it would take decades of struggle before African Americans were granted equal treatment and protection under the law, the Emancipation Proclamation marked a courageous step forward in fulfilling that essential task. It affirmed that the Civil War was a war fought not only for the preservation of our union, but for freedom itself. And by opening the Union Army and Navy to African American men, the Proclamation gave new strength to libertys cause.
The Emancipation Proclamation stands among the documents of human freedom. As we commemorate this 150th anniversary, let us rededicate ourselves to the timeless principles it championed and celebrate the millions of Americans who have fought for liberty and equality in the generations since.
BARACK OBAMA
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/22/message-president-commemorate-150th-anniversary-preliminary-emancipation