Juneteenth parade a spirited event
This year’s Juneteenth parade brought together the largest number of club riders on gaited horses that most of us have ever seen in one place at one time. Missing dignitaries were Austin mayor Leffingwell and council-members Riley and Cole. The elected officials drawing the greatest positive response at our viewing point across from the Fresh Up Club sign were the county judge, the county sheriff, and precinct constable Danny Thomas. Only one marching band turned out, the Greater Houston All Star Band. The percussionists of Spirit of the Drum made lively music, and the ladies drawing sweet music from the pans were most welcome. Volunteers seeking voters to register were having a degree of success. We talked to four of them and saw more; they were covering the entire parade route. The best prize seen was a bouncy soccer-style ball bestowed on a child very happy to receive it. We came home with a new supply of souvenir fans to take to other free Austin hot-weather events and to cool us in the yard when we escape the non-air-conditioned confines of the house this summer. Toy-camera photos and unedited videos give only a hint of the always joyous occasion of the annual Juneteenth parade.
As in previous years, President Obama did not issue a Presidential
Proclamation establishing Juneteenth as a national day of
observance, but just another impersonal annual Juneteenth greeting.
Juneteenth has never been celebrated at the White House and
President Obama has yet to speak to the public about the
significance of Juneteenth Independence Day in America. The White
House and the U.S. Capitol were built by Americans of African
descent during the tyranny of enslavement. President Obama should
host a White House Juneteenth reception to honor their sacrifice.
However, thanks for writing and reporting on Juneteenth. Most
importantly, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) has introduced
legislation to make Juneteenth Independence Day a National Day of
Observance, like Flag Day and Patriot Day. We urge President Obama
to do the right thing and join the U.S. Congress to establish
Juneteenth Independence Day as a National Day of Observance, like
Flag Day or Patriot Day. Together we will see Juneteenth become a
national holiday in America! “DOC” Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D.
Founder & Chairman National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign
National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) National
Juneteenth Christian Leadership Council (NJCLC) National
Association of Juneteenth Jazz Presenters (NAJJP)
http://www.NationalJuneteenth.com
Juneteenth is a day of reflection as well as joy. Its observation
grows even without the official recognition sought. Thank you for
telling us about the KBH action. It’s news here and will be to many
and it does constitute an official and specific matter for use in
calling and writing to members of Congress about the proposed
legislation.