Fairfax County, FCPS Recognize Juneteenth Holiday On Friday

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After Gov.Ralph Northam announced an intention to make Juneteenth a paid state holiday, Virginia's most populous jurisdiction will observe the holiday. Fairfax County government will close its administrative offices on Friday, June 19.

Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation made it to the last state. Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, arrived at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This marked the end of slavery in the United States.

"Please use this day to reflect on and to take actions that promote the unity we embrace here in Fairfax County," said County Executive Bryan Hill in a statement declaring the holiday. "We are on this One Fairfax journey together."

Employees staffing 24-hour county operations and other essential services such as public safety and trash collection will work as scheduled. Fairfax County Public Schools will also recognize Juneteenth as a staff holiday.

Northam said Tuesday he is proposing legislation to make Juneteenth a state holiday. He is giving executive branch employees a paid day off on Friday. Some companies have announced employees will receive the day off.

Earlier this year, the governor also signed a bill to end a state holiday that celebrated Confederate generals — Lee-Jackson Day — and make Election Day a state holiday in its place.