LMR June 2023 FINAL

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Flag, Freedom, and Fathers
While many relate June to the
start of summer, for me it is an
exciting and important time
for our Nation to celebrate
FREEDOM, FATHERS and ‘Old
Glory’ itself…our FLAG. June
is filled with occasions to express
our deep appreciation
for things we hold true and
sacred.
Freedom for some represents
the ability to live a life relatively
‘free’ from burdensome
government infringement.
Among other things, I certainly
have enjoyed a free
life of comfort, educational
opportunities, religious freedom,
and self-determination.
However, it’s important for
me to pause and reflect on
generations not so long ago
who were not afforded this
kind of life primarily because
of bigotry and hatred. For
people of color, regardless of
their generation, it was particularly
meaningful when
our government formally established
the federal holiday,
Juneteenth, in 2021. We give
heartfelt thanks to our own
Governor John Bel Edwards
for establishing it as a state
holiday. Deriving its name by
combining June and nineteenth,
it is celebrated on
the anniversary of the order
issued proclaiming freedom
for slaves in Texas. On June
19, 1865, military officer, Major
General Gordon Granger
arrived in Texas to take
command of the troops that
would begin the long-awaited
implementation of emancipation
of slaves in that state,
and to oversee reconstruction.
For many years, numerous
states recognized June
19 in different formal and informal
ways, but it would take
federal legislation to establish
it as a national holiday. One
most notable person credited
for her years of effort and
tenacity is Ms. Opel Lee of
Marshall, TX (Girl Power!). Often
referred to as the “Grandmother
of Juneteenth,” this
educator and activist was
determined to get the federal
government to establish a
national holiday in hopes of
bringing greater awareness
to the shame of slavery. Astonishingly,
Ms. Opel’s family
was the victim of a disgraceful
racist act of violence when
Jennifer Vidrine,
LMA President
Ville Platte
their home was vandalized
and burned down by white
rioters…on June 19, 1939.
She remained committed to
the Juneteenth cause her entire
life. Again, FREEDOM WAS
NOT FREE.
LMR | JUNE 2023 Page 5