For Immediate Release: 6/17/2022 1:20 pm
WORCESTER – The public is invited to the City of Worcester’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Saturday, June 18.
The ceremony will begin at noon in front of City Hall and include comments from City officials, the reading of a proclamation, reflections from Worcester's Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival Committee, a ceremonial song, and the raising of the Juneteenth flag.
In addition, City offices will be closed on Monday, June 20, in recognition of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth, first recognized by the federal government as a national holiday in 2021, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
The holiday recognizes the date – June 19, 1865 – when the last community in the country – Galveston, Texas – received word that the Civil War has concluded, slavery has ended, and that all African-Americans were free.
WHAT: Juneteenth flag raising ceremony
WHEN: Saturday, June 18, noon
WHERE: City Hall
WHO: Local officials, Worcester's Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival Committee
