19th of June holiday

[RIDIVER501]

I saw this date on a calendar in my office so I googled it to find out what the heck it was.
the 19th of June is officially recognized as a US holiday called "Juneteenth"

http://www.juneteenth.com/
Who knew? Kind of interesting, wonder what other official holidays are lurking about.

from the website

[font=Verdana, Arial]Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.[url="http://www.juneteenth.com/140anniversary_logo1t.jpg"]http://www.juneteenth.com/140anniversary_logo1t.jpg[/url][/font]​

[font=Verdana, Arial]From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. [/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial]Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
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[Firefyter]

Juneteenth has always been somewhat of a big deal in Texas. Lincoln issued The Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring free all those slaves residing in territory in rebellion against the federal government "as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion." The slaves in Texas, being remote from other areas, did not learn of this until June 19th, 1865 when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. Like I said, it's always been somewhat of a big deal here, but it's becoming a day that's recognized nationwide.

 

[RIDIVER501]

I just thought it was interesting up here in the north I had never heard of it. Most of the guys in the office hadn't heard of it. just make one wonder what other trivial things like holidays I don't know about]