Juneteenth-June 19, 2023PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, June 19 is recognized nationally as Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration
marking the date on which news of the end of slavery reached slaves in Southwestern states,
more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on
January 1, 1863; and
WHEREAS, slavery was not officially abolished until ratification of the 13th Amendment
to the Constitution of the United States in December 1865; and
WHEREAS, African Americans who had been slaves celebrated June 19 as Juneteenth
Independence Day as inspiration and encouragement for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is now celebrated as an African American holiday and a special day
of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all slaves in the Unitd States since
Congress in 1997 officially recognized Juneteenth as the independence day observance of
Americans of African descent; and
WHEREAS, the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves and the
descendants of former slaves remain an example for all people of the City of Port Orchard of
different races, religions, cultural backgrounds and countries of origin; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Robert Putaansuu, Mayor of the City of Port Orchard, do
hereby proclaim June 19, 2023 as:
JUNETEENTH IN THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD
in the City of Port Orchard, and I call upon all employees and citizens of Port Orchard to observe and join
me in this special observance and recognition whereof.
Signed the 6t" day of June 2023
C�
Robert Putaansuu, Mayor