Franklin Moore, 7, of Coeur d'Alene gets a quick equestrian lesson from Albert Wilkerson of Athol in preparation for Juneteenth, African-American Independence Day at the Human Rights Education Institute in Coeur d'Alene on Monday. Albert will be dressed as a Buffalo Soldier for the celebration on June 19. (Kathy Plonka/SR)

Item: Event celebrates end of slavery: CdA to observe Juneteenth for first time this week/Alison Boggs, SR

More Info: Juneteenth dates to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news the Civil War had ended and slaves were free. Although it was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation became official, the document had little impact on Texans because few Union troops were on hand to enforce it, Dolezal said. The first Juneteenth celebration was held the following year, and it has spread nationwide, with events in most states.

Question: Are you happy that Coeur d'Alene will observe Juneteenth for the first time?