Some state offices are closed today in an official observance of Juneteenth.
This year marks the second year that Pennsylvania has observed the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates June 19th, 1865. On that day, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that black slaves were freed. That news came about two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
As Juneteenth falls on a Saturday, state offices are closed for today to observe the holiday. PennDOT driver’s license and photo centers are closed for today, and state courts are also closed for the day as well. State employees under Governor Tom Wolf’s jurisdiction have the day off today, and members of the PA House and Senate are also taking the day off to observe the holiday.
President Joe Biden signed a bill into law yesterday making Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday. This means many federal employees will have the day off as well.
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