Gov. Holcomb Issues Proclamation Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth or June 19 is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United State.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has issued a proclamation celebrating Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United State.

On June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3 announcing freedom to some of the last slaves in America.

The announcement came two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

June 19 would become nationally recognized as National Freedom Day, commemorating the abolition of sanctioned slavery in the U.S.

Each year, on the anniversary of National Freedom Day, organizations and individuals throughout Indiana and our country celebrate African American heritage, history, freedom and culture with events and ceremonies that reflect the power of community, family, art and tradition in the face of oppression.

Governor Holcomb’s proclamation encourages Hoosiers to observe Juneteenth as an opportunity to reflect, rejoice and plan for a brighter future as Americans continue to address racial injustices in our society today.

Today I issued a proclamation celebrating #Juneteenth, an opportunity to reflect, rejoice and plan for a brighter future. pic.twitter.com/yrPvmSsK9H

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) June 19, 2020