    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [June 19, 2002]
    [Page 1023]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Juneteenth
    June 19, 2002

        I send greetings to those celebrating Juneteenth.
        June 19 provides an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the
    ideal of freedom and to learn more about the end of slavery. On that day
    in 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed in
    Galveston, Texas, with news the war had ended and that the enslaved were
    now free. The joyous, but belated, announcement came two years after
    President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring
    ``that all persons held as slaves'' within the rebellious states ``are,
    and henceforward shall be free.''
        The celebration of Juneteenth has its roots in Texas, but the
    holiday is now observed in many parts of the country with picnics,
    family gatherings, parades, and community programs. The day is a fitting
    time to celebrate freedom from slavery and for all Americans to reflect
    on the rich contributions of African Americans to our Nation.
        As we celebrate Juneteenth on June 19, I encourage all Americans to
    reaffirm their commitment to achieving equal justice and opportunity for
    all citizens. Laura joins me in sending best wishes on this special
    occasion.

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