Does the Military Get Juneteenth Off?
Contents
Understanding Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is celebrated on June 19th of each year and marks the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the emancipation of all slaves in the state.
History of Juneteenth in the Military
The history of Juneteenth in the military is complex and has evolved over time. During the American Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation declared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 did not immediately free all slaves in the Confederate states. In fact, it took almost two and a half years for the news to spread to all parts of the country.
In the early years, the military did not officially recognize Juneteenth
In the early years, the military did not officially recognize Juneteenth as a holiday. However, some units and bases did celebrate the day with parades, ceremonies, and other festivities.
Does the Military Get Juneteenth Off?
Federal Holidays for Military Personnel
The Department of Defense (DoD) follows federal holidays as outlined in Title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C.). According to 5 U.S.C. §6103, federal holidays are:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January
- Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February
- Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
- Independence Day – July 4th
- Labor Day – First Monday in September
- Columbus Day – Second Monday in October
- Veterans Day – November 11th
- Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day – December 25th
Juneteenth is not a Federal Holiday for the Military
As of 2020, Juneteenth is not a federal holiday recognized by the Department of Defense. This means that it is not a paid federal holiday for military personnel.
However, some units and bases may choose to observe Juneteenth
While Juneteenth is not a federal holiday for the military, some units and bases may choose to observe the day with unofficial celebrations, ceremonies, or events. These celebrations are typically funded by the individual unit or base, and may not be paid by the federal government.
Table: Federal Holidays Recognized by the Department of Defense
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1st |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4th |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11th |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25th |
States and Local Governments Recognizing Juneteenth
Some states and local governments have made Juneteenth a paid state or local holiday
As of 2020, 47 states and the District of Columbia have declared Juneteenth a paid state or local holiday. This means that state or local government employees in those jurisdictions receive a paid day off on June 19th.
Table: States and Local Governments Recognizing Juneteenth as a Paid Holiday
| State | Local Government | Paid Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Montgomery, Birmingham | Yes |
| Alaska | Anchorage, Fairbanks | Yes |
| Arizona | Phoenix | Yes |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | Yes |
| California | Los Angeles, San Francisco | Yes |
| Colorado | Denver | Yes |
| Connecticut | Hartford | Yes |
| Delaware | Wilmington | Yes |
| Florida | Jacksonville, Miami | Yes |
| Georgia | Atlanta | Yes |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | Yes |
| Idaho | Boise | No |
| Illinois | Chicago | Yes |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | Yes |
| Iowa | Des Moines | Yes |
| Kansas | Topeka | Yes |
| Kentucky | Louisville | Yes |
| Louisiana | New Orleans | Yes |
| Maine | Portland | Yes |
| Maryland | Baltimore | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Boston | Yes |
| Michigan | Detroit | Yes |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | Yes |
| Mississippi | Jackson | Yes |
| Missouri | Kansas City, St. Louis | Yes |
| Montana | Billings | No |
| Nebraska | Omaha | Yes |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Manchester | Yes |
| New Jersey | Newark | Yes |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | Yes |
| New York | New York City | Yes |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | Yes |
| North Dakota | Fargo | No |
| Ohio | Columbus | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | Yes |
| Oregon | Portland | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Providence | Yes |
| South Carolina | Columbia | Yes |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | No |
| Tennessee | Nashville | Yes |
| Texas | Austin, Dallas | Yes |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | Yes |
| Vermont | Burlington | Yes |
| Virginia | Richmond | Yes |
| Washington | Seattle | Yes |
| West Virginia | Charleston | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Madison | Yes |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne | No |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the military does not officially recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday, some units and bases may choose to observe the day with unofficial celebrations. Additionally, some states and local governments have declared Juneteenth a paid state or local holiday, providing employees with a paid day off on June 19th. It is essential to note that the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is still an ongoing topic of discussion and debate, and it is possible that the holiday may be federally recognized in the future.
