06/19/2026
Today we celebrate Juneteenth.
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that enslaved people there were free – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. For those who had waited and endured, that day marked the arrival of a promise long overdue.
We honor the African Americans whose faith, resilience, and courage shaped this nation's path toward freedom and justice – and continue to shape it today. Their legacy lives in every community where people choose dignity over indifference and love over silence.
As a church present in 130+ countries, The Salvation Army is committed to loving inclusively and pursuing Biblical justice wherever we serve. Today we celebrate the freedom that was won, remember those who fought for it, and recommit to building communities where every person is seen, valued, and free.
How are you observing Juneteenth? Share in the comments.
