(Office of the Governor) — On Thursday, June 17, 2021 (Eastern Daylight Time), President Joseph Biden Jr. signed S. 475, also known as the “Juneteenth Bill” designating June 19th, Juneteenth National Independence Day and a legal federal holiday.
Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans and the end of Slavery in the United States. “Accordingly,” Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said, “in commemoration of this significant day in our nation’s history and along with the rest of the country, I hereby grant Administrative Leave [Friday, June 18] beginning at 12 p.m. for all non-critical Executive Branch employees in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day.”
He added, “May this new national holiday allow for all of us to reflect on our country’s past, the fight for freedom and equality, and our responsibility to continue to work towards a brighter future for all. I wish you and your loved ones a safe weekend.”
