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WHEREAS: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,
1863, declaring the slaves in Confederate territory free, paving the way for the passing of the 13th
Amendment which formally abolished slavery in the United States; and,
WHEREAS: Although President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had been issued more than
two years prior, Union troops had previously been unable to fully enforce the order until June 19,
1865, in the South and Southwestern United States; and
WHEREAS: June 19th has a special meaning to African Americans, and has been celebrated by
communities for over 150 years; and
WHEREAS: As one of the oldest American holidays, Juneteenth commemorates formerly
enslaved individuals and their descendants and has historically been a time of pray, reflection and
family reunion; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has recognized June 19th as a legal holiday to
celebrate the emancipation of African Americans and their contribution; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the City known as the Town of Watertown
hereby proclaim Saturday, June 19, 2021, as "Juneteenth Day" and urge all citizens to become more
aware of the significance of this celebration in the African American History and in the heritage of
our nation and our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have
hereunto set our hand and caused the
Great Seal of the Town of Watertown
to be affixed on this 8th day of
June 2021
Mark . Side is, Council President