2023 Juneteenth Day of Observance

1.  Public Law 117-17 established 19 June as Juneteenth National Independence Day as a public holiday.
2.  The first Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas in 1866.  Although all enslaved people were declared free as of 1 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.  However, while General Lee surrendered his Army to General Grant in April 1865, federal troops led by Major General Gordon Granger did not arrive in Galveston, Texas until 19 June 1865.  Major General Granger issued General Order No. 3, informing the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free.  The 13th Amendment, ratified in December 1865 officially abolished slavery in the United States.
3.  As we celebrate Juneteenth, our Marine Corps is engaged in a deliberate effort to promote a culture of inclusion where all Marines are unified by a common cause to combat inequality, discrimination, and destructive behaviors.  The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone equally, and with dignity and respect.
4.  The Marine Corps will continue to become a more lethal force by building strength through diversity, equity, and inclusion, while remaining dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, and institutional bias and discrimination.
5.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserves Affairs.