Gov. Pritzker announces state government offices closed Friday for new federal Juneteenth holiday

Posted on June 17, 2021
On Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker signed Illinois’ law to make Juneteenth a state holiday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, in the shadow of the Emancipation Proclamation. (Facebook/Governor JB Pritzker)

 

By Neil Doyle

CHICAGO – With President Joe Biden signing legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that state government offices will be closed Friday, June 18 in accordance with the new federal law recognizing the importance of emancipating enslaved Americans.

On Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker signed Illinois’ law to make Juneteenth a state holiday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, in the shadow of the Emancipation Proclamation.

In addition to closing state offices on Friday, June 18, Illinois will continue the recognition of Juneteenth throughout the state, lowering all flags covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to half-staff on Saturday. In addition, a Juneteenth flag will fly proudly over the Illinois state Capitol in Springfield on every Juneteenth, starting this year.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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