As mid-June arrives and schools are out, it's time to dive into the fun celebrations of the season. We've already marked Flag Day and the Army's birthday, and now it's time to gear up for more festivities. The second half of June brings us Juneteenth, Father's Day, and the Summer Solstice.
Emancipation Proclamation & Juneteenth
On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves in the rebellious states "shall be then, henceforward, and forever free." This landmark document only applied to the Confederacy, not the loyal border states. It allowed Black Americans to serve in the Union Army, and nearly 200,000 did so by the war's end. The Emancipation Proclamation paved the way for the abolition of slavery in the United States, culminating in the 13th Amendment in December 1865.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, is the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that all enslaved people were free, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
For more information, visit the links below.
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day
Father's Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington state. It became a nationwide holiday in the United States in 1972, 58 years after Mother's Day was made official by President Woodrow Wilson. This celebration was initiated by Sonora Smart Dodd, who, inspired by her widowed father's dedication, campaigned to honor fathers similarly to mothers. Washington State led the way with the first statewide Father's Day celebration on June 19, 1910.
For more information on Father's Day, click here.
Explore these links for fantastic gift, craft, and decor ideas:
Summer Recipes
Enjoy these light and refreshing recipes perfect for your summer gatherings:
Watermelon Salad
- Ingredients: Watermelon, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Mint
- Dressing: 1.5 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar, 5 TBSP Olive Oil, 3 TBSP Basil
Grilled Corn Salad
- Ingredients: 6 ears fresh corn, 2 TBSP Canola Oil, Salt & Pepper, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 small red bell pepper (chopped), 4 scallions (chopped), 2 cups Arugula
- Dressing: 1 lemon juiced, 4 TBSP Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper, Neely’s Barbeque Seasoning
Preheat the grill or broiler to medium heat. Rub corn with canola oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove kernels, mix with other ingredients, and toss with the dressing.
Substitute for Neely's Barbeque Seasoning
- Ingredients: 1.5 C Paprika, 3/4 C Sugar, 3.75 TBSP Onion powder, 1 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- Directions: Stir ingredients together, store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
For the full recipe, visit Food Network.
Fun and Festive Event Ideas for the Summer Season
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