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Mayor Richard M. Smith proclaims June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth Day in Milford
Summary
Mayor Richard M. Smith read a city proclamation at the 7th annual Milford Juneteenth celebration, citing the Emancipation Proclamation, General Order No. 3 and the 13th Amendment and asking residents to honor the day.
Mayor Richard M. Smith read an official city proclamation at Milford’s 7th annual Juneteenth celebration, declaring Friday, June 19, 2026, Juneteenth Day in the city.
Smith recited historical context during the reading, noting President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3, which informed Texans in 1865 that enslaved people were free. He said the 13th Amendment’s ratification completed the formal abolition of slavery and urged residents to “honor this day and beyond by celebrating freedom, recognizing black history and culture, and continuing the work of building a more just and inclusive community.”
The proclamation was read aloud from the mayor’s office text and presented to attendees at the community event. Organizers encouraged residents to reflect on Juneteenth’s history and to use the day to both celebrate and recommit to civil rights work in Milford.
State and local elected officials were acknowledged by event hosts during the program; the reading itself was presented by Mayor Smith without a recorded council vote or formal legislative action in the transcript.
The program continued with musical performances and community activities following the proclamation.
