Carmel, NY – Today, Putnam County celebrated its first-ever Juneteenth Ceremony, a momentous occasion honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The event took place at the Veterans Memorial Park, and was hosted by Putnam County Historian Jennifer Cassidy and County Executive Kevin Byrne, brought together community members to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and commemorate this important milestone in American history.

Joined by Scott Rhodes of the Community Engagement and Police Advisory Board (CEPAB), the ceremony featured a powerful sharing of family histories and county history. Rhodes and Cassidy shed light on the struggles and triumphs in the fight for freedom of Putnam County African American residents throughout the years.

The ceremony commenced at the park’s newest memorial, the Sgt. Clinton J Peterson memorial. Sgt. Peterson was an African American WWI veteran who served in the 369^th US Infantry, better known as the Harlem Hellfighters. From there, Cassidy led the group on a brief historical walk and talk that culminated at the county's Civil War Memorial in front of the Putnam County Veterans Museum.

County Executive Kevin Byrne expressed his gratitude for the community's participation, stating, "The inaugural Juneteenth Ceremony in Putnam County marks an important step in recognizing and honoring the significance of this historic day. The fact is, the Civil War was fought for freedom. This country was founded on the concept that all of us are created equal. In Putnam County, we will always honor and celebrate those that fought for individual liberty.”

Putnam County Historian Jennifer Cassidy who gave a thorough and detailed history of slavery, emancipation and the fight for freedom in Putnam County, emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped our nation, saying, "It is an honor to recognize this holiday, when 158 years ago news of the emancipation proclamation reached Texas, 2 months after the Civil War had ended. Putnam County recognizes its role in American history, in black history.”

Linda Harris, a county resident in attendance, also took a moment to share excerpts from the poem ‘A Colored Volunteer’ by Private Frank Meyers, who was an African American Civil War Veteran from Putnam County. Harris also said, “I want to thank the County Executive and everyone here for having this wonderful celebration. No matter our differences, we need to stay united and remember that freedom is not free.”

The Juneteenth Ceremony in Putnam County served as a significant milestone, amplifying the voices and experiences of African Americans in the county, fostering dialogue, and promoting understanding and unity within the community.

For full video of the ceremony, click here - Inaugural Putnam County Juneteenth Ceremony - June 19th 2023 - Putnam County Government, New York