Sailors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) celebrated Juneteenth recently with live music and speeches on the aft mess decks. This event has been held each year since 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the law to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. This celebration brings Sailors together to unite as a command and as a community.
Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Keaira Davis, the event’s master-of-ceremonies, emphasized the importance of treating everyone equally regardless of race. She highlighted the significance of practicing kindness, fairness, and avoiding judgment towards others. This aligns with the spirit of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in America.
Juneteenth traces back to June 19, 1865, when General Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and delivered General Order Number Three, marking the official end of slavery in the last Confederate holdout. Despite being the oldest African-American holiday, it has only been recognized as a federal holiday for four years. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 3rd Class Jacquelyn Jacobs expressed the importance of recognizing Juneteenth as a step in the right direction towards equality.
During the celebration, Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan, reflected on the history of Juneteenth and its significance in American history. He emphasized the ideals of equality and freedom that the Founding Fathers envisioned. Cardone urged attendees to learn more about the nation’s history and recommit to the values of equality and respect for all.
The event featured a performance of “Freedom” by Beyoncé by the diversity and heritage committee’s choir group. Chief Air-Traffic Controller Leslie Wallace concluded the celebration by discussing the key events and individuals that led to emancipation. He emphasized the importance of treating fellow Sailors with dignity, respect, and upholding the Navy Ethos and Code of Ethics.
The USS Ronald Reagan, as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, plays a vital role in supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the ship interacts with 35 maritime nations to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The celebration of Juneteenth on board not only honors the past struggles for freedom but also reinforces the commitment to equality and unity among the Sailors.