Juneteenth in the City of Port OrchardCity of Port Orchard
2 1 6 Prospect Strc€t Port Orchard, WA 98366
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PROCLAMATION
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
lndependence 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 United 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 lT RESOLVED that l, Robert Putaansuu, Mayor of the City of Port Orchard, do
hereby proclaim June 19, 2024 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 specialobservance and recognition whereof.
Signed the 14th day of May, 2024
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Robert Putaansuu, Mayor