Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Raising Flag at State Capitol in Celebration of Juneteenth for Sixth Year in a Row

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #267, raising the Juneteenth Flag for the sixth year in a row over the Wisconsin State Capitol in celebration of Juneteenth.

Gov. Evers also proclaimed June 19, 2025, as “Juneteenth” throughout the state of Wisconsin. A copy of the governor’s 2025 Juneteenth proclamation is available here.

“On Juneteenth, we recognize the true end of slavery in the United States, celebrating freedom and the closure of a shameful and dark chapter in our nation’s history,” said Gov. Evers. “It is exceedingly important that, as we honor this holiday today, we renew our commitment to building a Wisconsin that works for everyone—one that is brighter, fairer, and more just and where every person is treated with dignity and respect.”

On June 19, 1865, more than two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of slavery. In the 160 years since, June 19th has been known as Juneteenth and is one of the oldest and most popular annual commemorations of the end of slavery in the United States.

In 2020, Gov. Evers ordered the Juneteenth Flag to be flown at the State Capitol for the first time in state history. Juneteenth is formally recognized and celebrated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with Wisconsin joining as the 32nd state to recognize this day in 2009. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

The Juneteenth Flag features a star to represent Texas, the Lone Star State; a nova, or new star, representing a new beginning and the freedom of African Americans; the curve on the flag dividing the red and blue colors representing a “new horizon” and a future of “opportunities and promise” for Black Americans; and red, white, and blue colors, reminding us that people who were enslaved and their descendants shall be “forever free.”

The Juneteenth Flag will temporarily replace the Progress Pride Flag through Thursday at sunset in celebration of Juneteenth but will otherwise not disrupt other flags that regularly fly over the State Capitol building. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the East Wing flagpole above the Juneteenth Flag. The POW-MIA flag will continue flying on the North Wing flagpole as it does every day.

Executive Order #267 is available here and is in effect beginning Wed., June 18, 2025, until sunset on Thurs., June 19, 2025.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.