John,

In 2020, I signed a proclamation designating June 19 as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This was the first time our Commonwealth recognized Juneteenth as a holiday.

158 years ago today, Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, bringing news of the end of the Civil War to the last enslaved people in Confederate states. He delivered President Lincoln's proclamation that all enslaved people were free and had equal personal and property rights.

Each year, we commemorate Juneteenth as the end of slavery. Today, we reflect on the incredible strides we have made toward equality, and what we must do to continue fighting for greater justice and fair treatment for all.

However you’re spending the day, I hope you have the opportunity to join your family and neighbors in commemoration today.

Wishing all a meaningful Juneteenth,

Andy