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History
How important is the African American story of
freedom in the overall history of the United States? How important
is symbolism in history? How important is Juneteenth to the overall
history of the United States? If you have difficulty in answering
these questions, then take note of the following facts about our
United States and Iowa history!
There are
currently 39 states (and the District of Columbia) that have passed Juneteenth legislation. Iowa is
the ninth state on this
list.
.
Independence Day
July 2, 1776: The actual date that the Second Continental
Congress voted to approve a Resolution of Independence separating
the American colonies from Great Britain. This was the date intended for
future celebrations of American independence!
July 4, 1776:
The actual date that the Second Continental Congress “declared freedom”
from Great Britain by issuing the Declaration of Independence,
which is a document explaining the decision to approve the Resolution of
Independence that was passed on July 2, 1776.
July 4, 1777:
Celebrations of “July 4th” took place in Pennsylvania and
Rhode Island.
1781: The
Massachusetts legislature was the first to recognize “July 4th”
1791: The
first known use of the term Independence Day was recorded.
1870: The
United States Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for
federal employees.
1931: The
United States Congress made Independence Day a paid holiday for federal
employees.
Juneteenth National Freedom Day
January 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln signed the
Emancipation Proclamation declaring the freedom of all slaves in states
at war with the Union.
June 19,
1865: General Gordon Granger led Union troops into Galveston, Texas, the
last stronghold of slavery, reading General Order Number 3,
declaring the absolute end to slavery.
June 19,
1865: The first celebration of “June 19th´by former slaves in
Galveston, Texas.
1980: Texas
made June 19th, or Juneteenth, an official state-paid
holiday.
2011: There
are currently 39 states (and the District of Columbia) where Juneteenth
is an official holiday observance.
Iowa Juneteenth Observance
1990: The first “Iowa Juneteenth Observance” was held in
Des Moines.
1995: The
Iowa General Assembly passed the first concurrent resolution in the
House recognizing Juneteenth in Iowa.
1996: The
Iowa General Assembly passed a concurrent resolution in the House and
Senate recognizing Juneteenth in Iowa.
2001: The
Connect Foundation first lobbied the General Assembly for an official
state observance of Juneteenth in Iowa.
2002: The
Connect Foundation made a second attempt at getting the General Assembly
to establish an official state observance of Juneteenth in Iowa.
April 11,
2002: Governor Tom Vilsack signed legislation making Juneteenth an
official annual observance in Iowa on every third Saturday in June.
Summary
1776-1865: It was a period of 89 years from the
time American independence was declared until the last stronghold of
slavery was put down, thereby “closing the gap” on freedom for all
Americans. Juneteenth is the symbolic celebration of “closing the gap”
on freedom for all Americans.
1865-2012:
The observance of the end to slavery and the celebration of freedom for
all Americans is 147 years old.
1990-2012:
The Iowa Juneteenth Observance is in our 22nd
year.
2002-2012:
The state law, annually making the third Saturday of June an official
observance in Iowa, is in its 10th
year!
Juneteenth is
authentic American history and the Iowa Juneteenth Observance is
authentic Iowa history! Appreciate your history and participate
in Juneteenth activities across Iowa!
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