What holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States?

The holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States is Juneteenth. This significant date, observed on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved individuals were now free. This announcement came over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were to be set free. Juneteenth serves not only as a celebration of freedom but also as a time for reflection on the ongoing struggles for racial equality in the United States.

The other holidays listed reflect different historical events or observances. Labor Day honors the contributions of workers, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service, and Columbus Day commemorates the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Each of these holidays has distinct historical significance that does not relate to the end of slavery, making Juneteenth the correct choice for commemorating that pivotal moment in American history.