JUNETEENTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the history of slavery in the United States is a history of unspeakable brutality and oppression;
AND WHEREAS the existence of slavery, beginning with the earliest settlements in what became the United States and continuing through the Civil War, was a betrayal of the values the United States was created to defend;
AND WHEREAS the proclamation of the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, long after both the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War, is widely recognized as the end of slavery in the United States;
AND WHEREAS, with the experience of over one hundred fifty years of history, we now know that the official eradication of slavery was merely a start to the continuing effort to liberate the formerly enslaved people and their descendants;
AND WHEREAS June 19, celebrated as Juneteenth, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures;
AND WHEREAS Juneteenth celebrates the fundamental promise of America and the need for all Americans to continue to work for universal justice and freedom
AND WHEREAS the City of Montpelier is committed to the values of liberty and justice enunciated in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution;
AND WHEREAS the City of Montpelier is further committed to providing a home for all peoples and cultures to form the Montpelier community
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that June 19, 2020, is recognized in the City of Montpelier as Juneteenth;
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the people of Montpelier are encouraged to celebrate the fundamental American values that underlie the founding of our nation, our state, and our city, and to recommit themselves to the cause of liberty, justice, and acceptance of all people.