June 22, 2010

"One hundred and forty five years ago Union soldiers brought news to slaves in Galveston, Texas that the Civil War was over and that they were now free. Despite President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation going into effect more than two years prior, many slaves had not been liberated. The celebration that ensued became known as Juneteenth and continues to this day.

"Our nation has come a long way since the first Juneteenth and it's important that we use tomorrow to both celebrate and recognize the efforts by so many Americans who have helped to create a more perfect union."