The Triumph of Freedom: AFGSC Honors Juneteenth

AFGSC Celebrates Juneteenth

Published June 19, 2023

By Staff Sgt. Shelby Thurman

Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. —

The Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, often referred to as America’s Second Independence Day, commemorates the day in 1865 when more than 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received word of their freedom from Union General Gordon Granger. This momentous event occurred more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth holds profound historical significance and serves as a reminder of the struggles, resilience, and ultimate triumph of enslaved African Americans in their quest for freedom.

A Federally Mandated Holiday

In 2021, the Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, officially making Juneteenth a federally mandated holiday. The bill was subsequently approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Joe Biden. With this recognition, Juneteenth joins the ranks of other nationally celebrated holidays, highlighting its importance as a moment of reflection, education, and commemoration.

The Juneteenth Flag

While Juneteenth celebrations often incorporate the red, black, and green colors of the Pan-African Flag, a specific flag was designed for the occasion by activist Ben Haith in 1997. Haith explained that the Juneteenth Flag represents the history and freedom of American enslaved people and their descendants. The flag features a bursting “new star” on the horizon, symbolizing a new era of freedom, a new people, and a new beginning. The red, white, and blue colors represent the shared identity of all Americans, emphasizing that the formerly enslaved and their descendants are an integral part of the nation.

Reflections on Juneteenth

Capt. Lena Singleton, public affairs representative for the AFGSC African American Heritage Committee, highlighted the historical legacy of Juneteenth. “The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of resiliency and celebrates freedom,” she said. Singleton emphasized that Juneteenth should be a time for education, providing an opportunity to learn from history and remember that all Americans possess the inherent freedom of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

AFGSC‘s Commitment to Juneteenth

The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) recognizes and celebrates Juneteenth as a vital moment in American history. AFGSC commemorates this day by acknowledging the struggles faced by African Americans and honoring their journey towards freedom. As part of their Juneteenth celebrations, AFGSC encourages education, reflection, and dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of this important milestone.

Conclusion

Juneteenth holds immense importance in the history of the United States, symbolizing the triumph of freedom over bondage and the resilience of enslaved African Americans. The recognition and celebration of Juneteenth as a federally mandated holiday provide an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the nation’s past, embrace its diversity, and strive for a more inclusive future. By commemorating Juneteenth, AFGSC and other organizations across the country reaffirm their commitment to equality, justice, and the pursuit of freedom for all.