    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [June 18, 2004]
    [Page 1098]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Juneteenth, 2004
    June 18, 2004

        I send greetings to those celebrating Juneteenth.
        On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union troops
    arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing word of the Emancipation
    Proclamation which had been issued more than 2 years earlier. On hearing
    the news that ``all persons held as slaves'' in the rebellious States
    were ``thenceforward, and forever free,'' former slaves celebrated their
    new freedom.
        Today, African Americans in Texas and other parts of the country
    observe June 19, also known as Juneteenth, with cookouts, family
    gatherings, parades, and other community events. Juneteenth celebrates
    the truth that freedom is God's gift to every man and woman. This day
    also recognizes the progress America has made in ensuring that our
    Nation lives up to our founding principles of liberty, equality, and
    justice, and represents an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to these
    principles.
        Laura joins me in sending our best wishes.

                                                              George W. Bush

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