Biden criticizes attempts to "supress historical truths" and subtly criticizes Trump during a Juneteenth event at a Texas church
In the seaside city of Galveston, Texas, the former President, Joe Biden, took aim at " Historical obliteration attempts" during a Juneteenth Celebration Service at the Reedy Chapel AME Church - subtly hinting at his successor, Trump. This church was the site where, in 1865, an order announcing the end of slavery in Texas was publicly read, nearly two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
Biden addressed the congregation, labeling Galveston as "the city where freedom echoed 160 years ago." The year 2021 saw Biden signing into law a bill that established June 19, or Juneteenth, as a federal holiday, marking the end of slavery in the U.S. This bill, known as the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, received overwhelming support in the House, and unanimous acclamation in the Senate.
During his speech, Biden shared anecdotes from his political beginnings and discussed his role in making Juneteenth a federal holiday. He put forth that the celebration holds a monumental significance for America's chronicles.
"Deniers still linger, questioning the merit of granting Juneteenth federal recognition," he declared, "cowering from the truth of slavery's moral corruption."
He also denounced attempts to distort history in textbooks and classrooms, criticizing those who seek to erase our nation's troublesome past.
Twice, Biden seemed to insinuate Trump without naming him. While addressing history distortion, Biden referred to "this guy" - drawing laughs from the audience - and later bringing up the Trump administration's push to rename military bases named after Confederate military officers. Now, under Biden, these bases bear the names of non-Confederate military veterans sharing similar surnames with the original Confederate namesakes.
"Night may obscure truth, but it cannot erase anything," the former president affirmed.
The event saw several recognition moments, including a presentation to Biden by Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, who commended Biden's efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
"I continue to view our guest, President Joe Biden, as my president," Brown stated, generating applause.
Before Thursday's service, Trump – who has acknowledged Juneteenth in the past – stated that the U.S. has "an abundance of unproductive holidays."
JuneteenthJoe BidenTexasGalveston
Melissa QuinnMelissa Quinn, a politics reporter for ourNews.com, has written for establishments like the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal, and Alexandria Times. Dedicated to U.S. politics, she especially covers the Supreme Court and federal courts.
- In his speech at Reedy Chapel AME Church in Galveston, Texas, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill that established June 19, or Juneteenth, as a federal holiday.
- During the presentation, Melissa Quinn, a politics reporter for ourNews.com, remarked that Biden had been covering U.S. politics extensively, focusing particularly on the Supreme Court and federal courts.
- The event saw several momentous instances, including Galveston Mayor Craig Brown's commendation of Biden's efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
- In the midst of the Juneteenth Celebration Service, Biden denounced attempts to distort history, subtly hinting at war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation related to the reinterpretation of slavery and the nation's troublesome past.
