The "19th of June" or Juneteenth commemorates when the slaves in Texas were formally notified of the freedom granted by the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln more than 2.5 years later on June 19, 1865 by General Gordon Granger on Galveston Island. The historical significance affects not only African Americans in Texas, but also the many others who have stood for racial equality nationally and around the world. In recognition of the fact that 45 states celebrate Juneteenth as a state holiday, we believe that designating it as a National Day of Observance like Flag Day in U.S. Code: Title 36 will provide an opportunity for all Americans to learn more about our common past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped our Nation.
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