[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 24 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Pages 1003-1004]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance of Juneteenth

June 15, 2005

    I send greetings to all Americans celebrating Juneteenth.
    Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, 
Texas, on June 19, 1865, bringing the news that the Civil War

[[Page 1004]]

had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation, signed over 2 years 
earlier, had declared all slaves to be free persons. This historic day 
is celebrated to remember the end of slavery. Emancipation demonstrated 
our country's belief in liberty and equality for every citizen, and was 
a profound recognition that each and every American has rights, dignity, 
and matchless value.
    One hundred forty years later, the Juneteenth observance continues 
to remind us of our country's founding principles of liberty and justice 
for all. As we mark the anniversary of the end of servitude, we also 
recognize the many contributions of African Americans to our culture. 
African Americans have helped shape our country's character, enhanced 
the diversity that makes America strong, and contributed to the 
vitality, success, and prosperity of our Nation. Juneteenth is a day 
that stands for the dignity and equality of all citizens, regardless of 
race, so that all may share the blessings of freedom that America 
provides.
    Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion. May God 
bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
                                                George W. Bush

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