(Cheyenne, WY) – President Joe Biden signed a law Thursday creating a federal holiday recognizing Juneteenth. Following this announcement, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon shared he is open to Wyoming recognizing June 19th as a state holiday as well.
“Because of the President’s action, Friday, June 18, 2021 is a holiday for most federal employees per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management,” according to a statement released by the Governor’s office. “In Wyoming the Legislature has set State Holidays. While tomorrow will not be a state holiday, the Governor will work with lawmakers to consider this option for future years.”
“Wyoming has recognized the Juneteenth holiday since 2003, when the state legislature passed a bill establishing the holiday on the third Saturday of the month.”
According to the release, Governor Gordon has also signed a proclamation recognizing the significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.
“Freedom is always a cause for celebration and this is a momentous day in our nation’s history. I encourage people to observe this commemoration of the full enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, which embodies the values of all Americans,” Governor Gordon said.