Proclamation Observing Juneteenth Day
P-2024-11

WHEREAS, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, marks the historic day of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery; and 

WHEREAS, this significant day serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of freedom and the enduring principles upon which our nation was founded, including liberty, justice, and the inherent worth of every individual as endowed by our Creator; and 

WHEREAS, the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared that all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward shall be free, paving the way for the eventual abolition of slavery throughout the United States; and 

WHEREAS, as a Christian conservative, I believe in the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life, and that the abolition of slavery was a crucial step in recognizing the fundamental rights granted to every individual; and 

WHEREAS, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate the progress we have made, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all citizens enjoy the freedoms and opportunities guaranteed by our Constitution and cherished by our society; and 

WHEREAS, it is important that we continue to promote a society where the principles of equality and respect for human dignity are upheld, honoring the sacrifices of those who have fought for freedom and acknowledging the significance of our shared history; and 

WHEREAS, the celebration of Juneteenth transcends political affiliations and should serve as a day for unity, recognizing the freedoms of our fellow citizens of diverse backgrounds, and emphasizing that everyone deserves to be treated as equals; and 

WHEREAS, Monroe City Council, by Resolution R-2021-13 adopted on December 1, 2020, recognized the historical significance of Juneteenth and declared June 19th as Juneteenth Independence Day and adopted it as a City of Monroe Holiday. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Burns, Mayor of Monroe, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2024 as JUNETEENTH DAY in the City of Monroe and encourage all citizens to join in the celebration of this significant milestone in our nation's history, to educate themselves about the enduring legacy of slavery, and to commit to building a future where freedom and respect for all prevail. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Monroe to be affixed this the 19th day of June, 2024. 

Read the full proclamation (PDF).