Amata Highlights National Ideals of Freedom on Juneteenth

Statement

Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is highlighting the national Juneteenth holiday, created just last year through the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.

Juneteenth recognizes the historic events of June 19, 1865, and celebrates freedom. On that day, news of freedom finally reached the last known place practicing slavery in the United States -- two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day, 1863.

"Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, and we celebrate these shared ideals together as a country," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "Juneteenth is an important reminder of the lessons of history and the cherished value of freedom. Sadly, entire generations lived their lives without the blessings of freedom. Generations of abolitionists and formerly enslaved people worked tirelessly to bring about freedom, and finally, hundreds of thousands of lives were lost in the Civil War. We are thankful that freedom prevailed. We stand together as part of a great nation that has led the fight for the cause of freedom throughout the world in the past century. We celebrate Juneteenth with our African American countrymen and women, and celebrate that the special American promise of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' is for all of us!"

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