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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuneteenth Day - June 19, 2019Proclamation “Juneteenth Day” June 19, 2019 WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the slaves in Confederate territory free as of January 1, 1863, paving the way for the passing of the 13th Amendment which formally ended slavery in the United States of America; and WHEREAS, news of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed some two and one half years, to June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas when Union General Gordon Granger read “General Order No. 3” announcing the total abolishment of slavery; and WHEREAS, June 19th has a special meaning to African-Americans, and is called “JUNETEENTH" combining the words June and Nineteenth, and has been celebrated by the African-American community for over 150 years; and WHEREAS, the African-American community in Pasco has made significant contributions to the history and quality of life of Pasco and Franklin County; and WHEREAS, the annual Juneteenth celebration in the City of Pasco has been occurring over the last several decades. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Matt Watkins, Mayor of the City of Pasco, Washington, do hereby declare June 19, 2019, as JUNETEENTH DAY in the City of Pasco, Washington, and urge all residents to become more aware of the significance of this celebration in African-American History and in the heritage of our nation and City. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Pasco, Washington, to be affixed this 17th day of June 2019. Matt Watkins, Mayor City of Pasco