In keeping with Governor Northam's declaration designating Juneteenth as a state holiday, County Executive Bryan Hill has declared Friday, June 19, 2020, as a county holiday. Fairfax County Government administrative offices will be closed. Employees who staff essential 24-hour county operations and other essential services will work as scheduled, including public safety and trash collection.
“Fairfax County is moving forward and our holidays must reflect that. I am committed to our values that include a diverse, inclusive and equitable society,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “I asked that the County Executive commemorate Juneteenth because that commitment requires listening to diverse voices and acknowledging the shared history of all Americans.”
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 that word of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas that they were free. The total abolition of slavery in the United States took place six months later with the ratification of the 13th Amendment.
“Please use this day to reflect on and to take actions that promote the unity we embrace here in Fairfax County,” County Executive Hill said on observing the county holiday. “We are on this One Fairfax journey together.”
For additional operating status updates (including courts), visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/status.
