Verona Township honored Juneteenth last week with a flag-raising ceremony recognizing the significance of June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Members of the Township Council were joined by representatives from Congresswoman McIver’s office and the NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch, including longtime Verona resident William M. Brown III, who has called Verona home for 43 years.

We invite you to read Mr. Brown’s remarks from the ceremony below as we reflect on the importance of freedom, equality, and the continued pursuit of justice for all.

Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony Speech, 2026

Good evening, everyone.

My name is William M. Brown III and I am the First VP of the NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch. We are the oldest Branch in the State of NJ and the third oldest Branch in the Nation. As a 43 year resident of Verona I proudly would like to thank our Mayor Chris Tamburro, the Town Council and the residents of Verona for the opportunity to once again share in this Juneteenth Celebration.

On behalf of The NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch which represents (11) municipalities in Essex County, it is my honor to welcome you to this Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony.

Today, we gather not only to raise a flag, but to raise our collective awareness of a defining chapter in American history. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved African Americans were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied. It reminds us that justice is not always immediate and that progress often requires perseverance, courage, and collective action.

As we raise this flag today, we honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of generations of African Americans who endured the injustice of slavery, fought for civil rights, and helped build this nation. Their struggles and sacrifices laid the foundation for many of the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. The fight, the struggles and the sacrifices continue today for civil rights and equal opportunities for all Americans as we seek a level playing field  to develop livable communities.

Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to reflection. It invites us to acknowledge our history honestly—the triumphs as well as the hardships. By understanding our past, we become better equipped to shape a future rooted in dignity, equality, and opportunity for all.

In communities across America, including our own, Juneteenth has become a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and renewal. It reminds us that diversity strengthens us, that inclusion enriches us, and that our shared commitment to justice brings us closer together.

Today, as we raise this flag, let it serve as a visible reminder of our ongoing responsibility to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and respect. Let it inspire us to continue building a community where every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

May this occasion encourage meaningful conversations, deeper understanding, and renewed commitment to the principles that unite us as Americans and as neighbors.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us today to commemorate this important day. Together, let us celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom and the promise of a more just and equitable future.

Happy Juneteenth, and may God bless our community, and the United States of America.

Thank you.

William M. Brown III