NOROLK, Va. (June 15, 2023)—Service members and civilian teammates assigned to Military Sealift Command gathered virtually to hold a special observance in honor of Juneteenth, June 15.
Juneteenth recognizes the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. The holiday represents victory over the institution of slavery and the beginning of the fulfillment of America’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for African Americans, according to the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.
“This year's theme is ‘Celebrating Freedom’,” according to Chief Warrant Officer-4 Christina Flores, the Mistress of Ceremonies for MSC’s Juneteenth celebration. “Juneteenth, an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the in the United States after the Civil War, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, designated June 19, 2023 as a Federal holiday on June 17, 2021, although it has long been celebrated as the end of enslavement in the United States.”
“On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious areas are, and henceforward shall be free,” Flores added. “However, these words were not received nor acted upon within Texas, which was still under Confederate control.”
“That changed on June 19, 1865 when Union forces led by U.S. Army Gen. Gordan Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas, and announced general order #3, which stated ‘the people of Texas are informed that in accordance with the proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free’.” Flores concluded.
Emily Cook of Military Sealift Command’s Equal Employment Opportunity Team read the 2023 Department of Defense Juneteenth National Independence Day Observance.
“Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day for African Americans,” read Cook. “Juneteenth has long been celebrated as the end of enslavement in the United States. Despite that, African American communities continue to face innumerable hardships due to a history of enslavement legalized segregation and inequitable access to opportunities.”
On July 26, 1948, President Truman issued Executive Orders 9980 and 9981, ordering the desegregation of the federal workforce and the military. President Truman's decision to issue these orders, and his actions that led up to that decision, set the course for civil rights for the rest of the century.
“As the Secretary of Defense observed, ‘Juneteenth holds particular significance for the United States military because it builds upon that legacy of emancipation as we work to defend our freedoms and to make real the full promise of American democracy for all our citizens, on June 19 and every day’," Cook continued.
“The Department's ability to leverage our Nation's best talent, wherever talent resides, is for the collective benefit of all Americans,” Cook concluded. “By championing diversity and inclusion in our Department, we will ensure each member's contributions are valued and everyone is afforded equal opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Beginning in Texas, the Juneteenth holiday has expanded from a local event to one recognized across the nation.
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2023 15:46 |
| Story ID: | 447324 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
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