Juneteenth: a Day To Remember That We Are All Free

Some dates stand out in the course of American history.  Just by listing them, we can identify what event transpired and their importance. 

Start with July 4, 1776 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  November 11, 1918 signaled the end of World War I.  December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 were dark days by all accounts.

Here’s hoping that June 19, 1865 gains more traction among historians of all ages and types.  It is the day that Union soldiers began enforcing the terms of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas.

Over the years, the celebration of Juneteenth has been a tradition handed down from the free men and women who once were slaves.  Food, dancing and poetry were part and parcel to the celebration at Sioux Falls’ Sertoma Park along with praise of Almighty God.

The War Between the States was a dark period in the annals of American lore.  Many hearken back to the period with re-enactment of battles wearing outfits from that period.  Let’s also remember that at the end of the darkness, many chains were broken.