Juneteenth, which started in Galveston to mark the end of slavery, should be a national holiday.
The day is often called the second Independence Day. It marks the day slaves in Texas learned they were free.
Those who are lobbying for a national holiday are not asking for a paid day off.
They are asking for a commemorative day, like Flag Day on June 14 or Patriot Day on Sept. 11.
All that would take is a presidential proclamation.
Both the U.S. House and Senate have urged President Bush to issue that proclamation.
Many people have been baffled that he hasn’t. He’s from Texas, after all, the place where this celebration began.
Some people think Bush is being badgered as a political stunt. But the facts don’t bear that out.
The commemoration of the end of slavery is bigger than politics. And good conservatives, as well as good liberals, know that.
In Texas, people with impeccable credentials as conservatives, including former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm and former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, have been strong supporters of Juneteenth commemorations.
Trent Lott of Mississippi was involved in the Senate resolution calling for a national Juneteenth holiday. People from one end of the political spectrum to the other have supported this cause, recognizing it would be a good thing for the country.
Why is a national celebration such a good idea?
Slavery is part of our history. No matter how much we might regret that tragedy and wish it weren’t a part of this great nation’s story, it is.
Denying the truth about the past is always unwise. But the truth hurts. So what do you do about an awful legacy?
You do what people in Galveston do year after year. You join together to celebrate its end and to pray for reconciliation and healing.
How can a national day of reconciliation and healing not be a good thing?
We urge President Bush to sign the proclamation. Juneteenth should be a national holiday.
