What is The Next Holiday After Memorial Day 2024
After Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May to honor and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military, the next federal holiday in the United States is Juneteenth. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Emancipation Day, is celebrated on June 19th each year. This holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and marks a significant moment in American history.
The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were now free. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863. The delay in the news reaching Texas was due to various factors, including the state’s remote location and the limited presence of Union troops to enforce the order.
Also Read: Is Memorial Day a Paid Holiday?
Upon hearing the news of their freedom, the formerly enslaved people of Texas celebrated with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. The following year, on June 19, 1866, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. The day was marked with gatherings, picnics, and the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Over time, Juneteenth celebrations spread to other states and became an annual tradition within African American communities.
Despite its significance, Juneteenth remained largely unknown to many Americans for generations. It wasn’t until the civil rights movement of the 1960s that the holiday gained wider recognition. In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as an official state holiday. Over the years, more states followed suit, and there was a growing push for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday.
Also Read: What to say instead of ‘Happy Memorial Day’
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983. This historic move came amidst a national reckoning on racial injustice, sparked by the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black Americans. The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday acknowledges the painful history of slavery in the United States and celebrates the resilience and contributions of African Americans.
Also Read: – What Should You Not Do On Memorial Day
Juneteenth celebrations often include parades, festivals, concerts, and educational events that highlight African American culture and history. Many gatherings feature traditional foods, such as barbecue, red drinks (symbolizing the blood shed during slavery), and red velvet cake. The color red is prominent in Juneteenth decorations, as it represents the resilience and strength of the African American community.
While Juneteenth is a day of celebration, it is also a time for reflection and remembrance. It serves as a reminder of the long and arduous journey towards freedom and equality that African Americans have endured. The holiday also underscores the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the need to address the systemic inequalities that persist in American society.
As the United States continues to grapple with its history of racial injustice, the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday marks an important step forward. It provides an opportunity for all Americans to learn about this significant chapter in the nation’s history and to engage in meaningful conversations about race, equality, and social justice.
Also Read: What are 3 Things you can do to Observe Memorial Day
In conclusion, Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, is the next federal holiday after Memorial Day in the United States. This holiday commemorates the end of slavery and celebrates the resilience and contributions of African Americans. As the nation continues to confront its past and work towards a more equitable future, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, justice, and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
Amit is an experienced writer and editor with a passion for researching and reporting on consumer trends and sales events. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern California (USC). With his expertise in marketing and business, Amit brings a unique perspective to Memorialdaysales2023.com.
As a writer and editor for Memorialdaysales2023.com, Amit is responsible for researching and writing content about Memorial Day sales and discounts. He also works with our editorial team to ensure that our content is accurate, informative, and meets the highest standards of quality. Amit’s experience in marketing and business helps him to identify trends and patterns that our visitors can use to make informed purchasing decisions.
