For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 18, 2004
Presidential Message: Juneteenth, 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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