Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19 and commemorates the date that the final group of enslaved people in the United States 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.

Learn about celebrations statewide by entering the phrase “Juneteenth 2024 Minnesota Celebrations” on your preferred search engine.