Fair Lawn Borough Offices Closed Friday For Juneteenth

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Borough offices will be closed Friday in observance of Juneteenth, Fair Lawn officials announced on Wednesday.

Officials cited legislation signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in September 2020 while announcing the decision. That legislation officially designated the third Friday in June as a state and public holiday.

"All Borough Offices including the recycling office and recycling center will be closed on Friday, June 18. Regular garbage, yard waste and recycling collection is not affected," borough officials said.

The Fair Lawn library will also be closed in observance of Juneteenth, library officials said.

Juneteenth, which is short for June 19th, is a 156-year-old holiday that celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.

"Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures," according to Juneteenth.com in an explanation of the holiday.

On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans that the Civil War was over and slavery had been abolished.

Granger publicly read General Order No. 3, which said: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."

Granger's announcement implemented the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas, more than 2-1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln first issued it in 1863 .

Initially, the presidential order caused little change in Texas due to the lack of Union troops to enforce it.

READ MORE: What Is Juneteenth? 5 Things To Know About The Holiday

Additional reporting by Gus Saltonstall.