As a retired, Christian, woman, I hope this holiday becomes known as Freedom Day. Different than the 4th of July which celebrates our nation freeing ourselves from British rule, Juneteenth celebrates the rights of every individual.
To celebrate, I took a few moments and counted my many blessings. As a woman, I am treated exactly as a man, as an elder I am allowed to retire and enjoy the rest of my years as I see fit, and as a Christian, I am allowed to practice my religion openly. In many countries, the people are not as fortunate.
Yes, the official holiday commemorates the freeing of black slaves. But, because we became a nation that truly believes in freedom for all, women eventually fought for their rights, children were no longer forced to work, a generation of Americans fought world wars to stop those who believed in racial superiority, a black woman refused to give up her seat, a black man had a dream, gays became proud, and so many more fought and continue to fight for individual freedom. No man, woman, or child should be stripped of these basic, "inalienable" rights.
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