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In an exuberant celebration of freedom and community, the Phoenix VA observed Juneteenth with an uplifting ceremony on June 18, at the Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic. Phoenix VA held the

ceremony to educate Veterans and employees about the significance of the holiday and how it denotes an important role in American history and freedom for all Americans.  The ceremony kicked

off with Kiesha Mcgaugh, lead patient advocate and chair of the Black Employment Special Emphasis program at the Phoenix VA informing the audience that Juneteenth is not a substitution for

Independence Day celebrated on July 4, rather, it is a holiday that celebrates freedom for all, since African Americans who were still enslaved at the time of America’s independence from

Great Britain did not receive total freedom until 1865.  “It’s not a Black holiday, it’s an American holiday,” said McGaugh. “Juneteenth represents when enslaved people went from being seen

as property to humans.” Phoenix VA Medical Center Director Bryan Matthews highlighted the historical significance of Juneteenth. He shared that on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Major

General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, which announced that, “In accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation, all slaves are free.”  “I think nowadays we take [freedom] for

granted,” said Matthews. “The price of freedom is not free. Many times, Veterans have raised their right hand and have been willing to give their lives for freedom. African American Veterans

have time and time again stood up and fought for freedom, even though they didn't have freedom themselves, despite discrimination and segregation. In all American warfronts African

American Veterans still served proudly and honorably.” Phoenix VA Clinical Psychologist for General Mental Health, Naudia Jakubowski highlighted the contributions of African American

Veterans to the nation's history and their ongoing role in advancing equality and justice.  Another speaker, Jasmine Hardy, program support assistant at the Phoenix VA told the audience

what Juneteenth meant to her and encouraged the audience to ask questions about the holiday and the significance it has in American history.  Hardy said, “After learning about Juneteenth,

talking about it, and serving as a co-chair for the Juneteenth program, I have realized that Juneteenth means to me, the jubilee and the celebration of God’s promises to us all.” As the

ceremony concluded, Veterans and employees embraced learning the historical significance of Juneteenth, why it is celebrated as a federal holiday and the impact it has on American history.