R 311530Z MAY 24
MARADMIN 257/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/2024 JUNETEENTH DAY OF OBSERVANCE//
REF/A/PUBLIC LAW 177-17/16JUN2021//
NARR/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW ON THE JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY ACT//
POC/J. L. OLVER/MAJ/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278//
POC/E. C. HABIB/CAPT/CMC (MPE)/TEL: COM 703-784-9371/TEL: DSN 278//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. In 2021, President Joseph Biden signed public Law 117-17, establishing 19 June as Juneteenth National Independence Day. It became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Most importantly, it represents victory over the institution of slavery and the beginning of the fulfillment of America’s promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for African Americans. More information may be found at https:(slash)(slash)www.defenseculture.mil/special-observances/.
2. The first Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas in 1865, when the American Civil War was ending. Although all enslaved people were declared free in January 1863 by President Lincoln in the Emancipation Proclamation, this “did not end slavery in the nation.” Trapped by the Federals near Appomattox Court House, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, ultimately leading to the end of the Civil War. Although the Confederate Army lost the civil war, much of the Confederate territories refused to inform their slaves of their freedom, and they would not voluntarily set them free. In April 1865, Major General Gordan Granger was ordered to lead 2,000 Union troops to Galveston, Texas where he announced the executive decree, General Order No. 3, freeing over 250,000 African Americans that remained enslaved after the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery more than two years earlier. The 13th Amendment, ratified in December 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States.
3. During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of military and civilian African Americans to our country and Corps. Commanders are further encouraged to conduct programs and promote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities.
4. The Marine Corps is dedicated to serving in accordance with the values we defend by standardizing dignity and respect towards all people, no matter what immutable characteristics they possess. With steadfast promotion of a professional environment, free from social or institutional barriers, we create an atmosphere for Marines to realize and embrace their full potential.
5. Release authorized by Brigadier General David R. Everly, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//