General Orders, Number 3

June 19,1865

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."                                                                      

 Major General Gordon Granger, Union Army Headquarters                                                                                                     District of Texas, Galveston                                                                                                  

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA

JUNE 19th DECLARED a FEDERAL HOLIDAY

June 17, 2021

 This declaration of freedom did not reach the Texas frontier until almost two-and-a-half years after the Civil War had ended. President Lincoln had died and the 13^th Amendment abolishing slavery was on its way to ratification.

The observance of June 19^th as the actual African American Emancipation Day from slavery in the United States of America arose from that date in 1865.   

Juneteenth is a day for historical reflection and celebration for African Americans. 

It should also evolve into a day for the unification for all Americans and the democracy that we all share and need to protect as a house united.

The bloodshed of a Civil War allowed us to become a democracy.  It is up to each of us to protect and defend freedom and equality for all.

Juneteenth is to be commemorated as a day where the slavery shackles were removed from African Americans and the voices of freedom could be heard praising God in Black churches throughout America.

May G-D guide America through her troubled waters.