Skip to main content

VET STORY: Remembering Juneteenth!!

 

Remembering Juneteenth!!

By

Reginal G. Lyerly

 

            On June 19th of each year, the United States of America remembers Juneteenth.  This is the one of the oldest known holidays to commemorate the official end of chattel slavery in the United States. Juneteenth has been a state holiday in Texas since 1980. Many others states recognize this day as a state holiday before receiving federal recognition. The day become officially recognized as a Federal Holiday by President Joseph R. Biden (46th U.S. President) when he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Act into law in 2021. Juneteenth is recognized as a Federal Holiday in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. In 22 states, it is recognized a permanent paid or legal holiday through either legislation or executive action.

          Let’s look at the history behind Juneteenth:  On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Grainger of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The purpose was to announce the end of the civil war and the end of chattel slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation was enacted on January 1, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln (16th U.S. President); however, Black people were continuing to be held captive after the original announcement.

          The portmanteau Juneteenth is combination of June and nineteenth and makes reference to June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is celebrated throughout the United States through prayer, picnics, family gatherings and festivals with food, music and dancing. This day is also celebrated in other nations to recognize the end of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Blue Angels by Staff Sgt Reginal Lyerly US Armed Forces (VET STORY)

  The Blue Angels Article Contributor Staff Sgt Reginal Lyerly US Armed Forces  WingsOverWayne 2023 Photography E. Brewington, BWStudioz The Blue Angels by Staff Sgt Reginal Lyerly US Armed Forces  (VET STORY)            Many years ago, I remember being stationed at Fort Novosel (formerly Rucker), Alabama. I worked for the base chaplain at the time. We took a church group on a trip to the Pensacola Naval Air Station.   This was an amazing trip. It was amazing to view all of the aircraft. Throughout my time in the service, I always heard about the Blue Angels. This was the first chance that I got see more than the stories. Let’s talk who the Blue Angels and what they do.           The Blue Angels are one of the premier flying squadrons known for their precision, professional, excellence and teamwork. The Blue Angels does so much for the morale of its military communities. Since it is origin, it is flown for over 450 million spectators worldwide.           They were recently at the Golds
Post a Comment
Read more

VET STORY “We Declared Freedom” Happy Fourth Of July

 VET STORY “We Declared Freedom” By Reginal G. Lyerly Before there was ever a United States of America, there were 13 colonies. Their legislative body was the Continental Congress. On July 2 nd 1776, this congress voted in favor of independence and the Declaration of Independence was drafted on July 4 th 1776 by Thomas Jefferson (3 rd U.S. President). July 4th is recognized as the official Independence Day for the United States of America. This commemorates the official announcement of the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. Massachusetts was the first state to make July 4 th an official state holiday. The tradition of fireworks on this day dates back to 1777 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during its first organized celebration. The ship’s cannon fired a 13- gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. This celebration of patriotism became more well- known and widespread after the War of 1812. By the year 1870, The United States Congress made July 4 th a federal holiday and has been a p
Post a Comment
Read more

Veterans Day Events, Promotions, Deals and Special Offers.

  2022 Veterans Day Promotions, deals, discounts and special offers. A very special thank you to the American Legion who put this wonderful list together and of-course we are adding our events, additional promotions and offers to this list. HAPPY VETERANS Day to our dear veterans, military and their families/loved ones. Thank you for your service and all that you continue to do. Join us on ZOOM to celebrate Veterans Day Thursday November 10 @10:30am EST - 2pm EST REGISTER https://www.eventbrite.com/e/249070274897 Monday November 14 @7pm EST REGISTER https://www.eventbrite.com/e/249011168107 Thursday November 17 @12:30am EST PAY WHAT YOU ORDER REGISTER https://www.eventbrite.com/e/386510512347 The following are some discounts for veterans and servicemembers for restaurants, retail outlets and recreational opportunities for Veterans Day, Nov. 11 from American Legion and we've added our events to the list in this blog. While these have been verified, check your local franchise to be s
Post a Comment
Read more