Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19; it commemorates the date that the final group of enslaved people in the United States, more than 250,000 individuals in Texas, was declared free – two months after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

For many, Juneteenth is like a second Independence Day. Across the country, it includes activities ranging from parades and prayer services to political rallies and social gatherings with family and friends.

This holiday, focused on liberty and equality, reflects the freedoms that our military has consistently fought for and the type of inclusive community the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs supports.

Minnesota House lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year that establishes Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Governor Tim Walz signed a proclamation to commemorate this milestone, which focuses on humanity’s ability to emerge from historically dark moments with purpose and resolve.

Learn about the relationship history between Juneteenth and the military

• How the US Military helped create the Juneteenth holiday
• Juneteenth marks a momentous occasion for the military, too
• The Military Roots of Juneteenth and why we celebrate
• Army
• Navy
• Marines
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• USO stories
• Department of Defense
• US Department of Veterans Affairs

Looking for information on Juneteenth celebrations statewide? Simply enter the phrase “Juneteenth 2023 Minnesota Celebrations” on your preferred search engine.

Questions about Juneteenth’s impact in the workplace? Please email diversity.MDVA@state.mn.us.