The White Falcon - 18.06.1993, Blaðsíða 2

Juneteenth: a celebration of freedom
Reservists make a difference
at Naval Air Station, Keflavik
By Maj. Vicki L. Harris, Commander,
Maintenance Squadron, 35th Wing
If you’re not from Texas, you’ve probably
never heard of “Juneteenth.” If that’s the
case, you’re in for a wonderful treat and a
valuable American history lesson. For those
who know of Juneteenth, you’re in for a little
taste of home.
Each year on June 19, African-Americans
gather to celebrate the “sweet” news of their
release from slavery. The celebration con-
sists of a parade, story telling, poetry reading,
selling art and craft items, eating wonderful
food, and having fun.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed
the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed
African-Americans from the bondage of slav-
ery. However, many slaves found out about
this fact many years later. Because television
and radio were not available, Texas planta-
tion owners successfully waged a two and a
half year battle not to abide by the presiden-
tial decree. The Texas economy would not
survive the enormous financial impact that
over 200,000 slaves held in their hands if they
stopped working. Slaves were never paid or
compensated for the goods and services they
provided. Texas plantation owners needed
slaves to plant and harvest their crops, while
the Civil War continued to ravage the South
and throw the Confederate banking system
into a sharp downward spiral. Slavery was
the only source of economic revenue the
South possessed! On June 19,1865, Genet
Gordon Granger and his troops arrived
Galveston, Texas, to enforce the president!
decree. The news of freedom spread like
wild fire throughout Texas. African-Ameri-
cans endured and fought a harsh, brutal sys-
tem and survived. A victory celebration was
truly in order. Juneteenth has gained a great
deal of momentum in the last 10 years, and it
is celebrated in Arizona, Louisiana, and
California.
Juneteenth is a true celebration of freedom
because it reminds us all that freedom carries
a steep price tag. Many African-Americans
paid that price with their blood, sweat, tears
and even lives! Freedom isn’t free, but it’s
worth the sacrifice. Happy Juneteenth!

Sory and photo by
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
U. S. Naval Reserve Unit 1066 from Naval
Air Facility, Washington, D. C., spent the
past two weeks as a support group to Naval
Air Station (NAS), Keflavik.
“The trip to Iceland is an annual require-
ment we have to fulfill as part of our reserve
duties,” said LCDR Randy Payne, USNR,
Officer in Charge. “We’re more than willing
to lend a hand and help out however we can.
We’ll even get involved in off-duty activities
like the recent Arbor Day celebration that oc-
cured here.”
Using the skills in which they were trained,
the 35 reservists offered valuable assistance
to a number of commands at NAS, Keflavik,
ranging from Public Works to Supply.
“They were a great help to us,” said MSI
Kevin Mendez, Watch Captain,
General Mess Galley. “With
only two storekeepers, we nor-
mally stay quite busy. The re-
servists make it much easier for
us, especially when we’re
moving stores.”
A1 though the thought of com-
ing to Iceland was originally a
shock to some of the reservists,
the two-week excursion proved
to be worthwhile. “I think it’s
been fantastic,” said MSI
Jeanne Puerta, USNR. “Since I
like to travel, this is a good
chance forme to see new places,
while performing my reserve
obligations at the same time.”
Reserve units train in Iceland
on a year-round basis to pre-
pare them for active duty in the
event of a recall.
MS 3 Yolanda Cruz and MSI Jeanne Puerta help make
sandwiches.
nieWhite Falcon
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
RADM Michael D. Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
LT Joseph L Quimby
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Fridthdr Kr. Eydal
Chief Petty Officer In Charge
JOC Terry J. Bamthouse
Draftsman
DM2 Danielle J. Kim
Editor
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
Journalists
J02 Colleen “Ghostwriter” Casper
J03 (SW) Andreas Walter
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