On this day in 1865—long after the Emancipation ProclamationTexans received word of the end of slavery in the U.S. when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that all slaves were now free and had “absolute equality” of personal rights and property rights.

Since that day, Texans have celebrated June 19—Juneteenth—as a day of freedom, progress, and hope.  Over the years, Juneteenth celebrations have taken place across the country.  And today, because of the advocacy and work of many, we celebrate Juneteenth on this national holiday.

And while we celebrate all that Juneteenth represents, we also know that we still have much work to do to make the promise of this day a reality for all.  Juneteenth is a celebration of our ability to do that—to advance the cause of freedom, to expand opportunity, and to make progress.

Today is a day of joy and hope and faith that, with perseverance and commitment, we can continue to build a better America for all Americans.  To do so, we must know our history and commit ourselves to our ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.  Today and every day.

Together, we can do anything,