Is FedEx Closed on Juneteenth? Does FedEx Deliver on Juneteenth?

Is FedEx Closed on Juneteenth?

No, FedEx will not be closed on Juneteenth. According to the company's website, FedEx services will remain active, and their office locations across the United States will stay operational on this occasion. Juneteenth, which is a federal holiday in the US, will not affect FedEx's operations, unlike some other major holidays when certain services may be closed. Therefore, FedEx will continue its regular operations on Juneteenth 2024.

About FedEx

FedEx is a large American company based in Memphis, Tennessee. It focuses on transportation, e-commerce, and business services. The name "FedEx" comes from its original air division, Federal Express, which operated from 1973 to 2000. FedEx is famous for its overnight delivery service, FedEx Express, and has expanded to offer FedEx Ground, FedEx Office (formerly Kinko's), FedEx Supply Chain, FedEx Freight, and other services.

It is a major competitor to UPS. FedEx is one of the largest American employers globally, with about 547,000 employees. The company operates a busy cargo hub at Memphis International Airport, and it also handles some packages for the U.S. Postal Service through its Air Cargo Network contract.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on June 19th each year. It marks the end of slavery in the country, specifically when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This followed Major General Gordon Granger's enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation after the Civil War.

Early celebrations began in 1866 in Texas and spread across the South among African American communities. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, honoring African American freedom and culture. It's also observed by Mascogos, descendants of Black Seminoles who escaped slavery and settled in Mexico in 1852.

Juneteenth History

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation would start on January 1, 1863, freeing enslaved people in Confederate states like Texas. Union troops were key to enforcing it, but Texas, farther from Union control, saw slow enforcement.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger finally enforced the Proclamation in Texas, 900 days after it began, 71 days after Robert E. Lee surrendered, and 24 days after Confederate forces in Texas disbanded. This day became known as Juneteenth, celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.

How does the US Celebrate Juneteenth?

In the United States, Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, honors the end of slavery and is often called "America's second Independence Day." Early celebrations featured activities like baseball, fishing, and rodeos held at churches or by water, due to segregation. Families gathered for big meals and wore their finest clothes.

Now, Juneteenth is marked with local events including picnics, music festivals, and historical reenactments. It's a multicultural holiday with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, traditional songs, and recognition of African-American writers. Red foods symbolize resilience and joy, like red velvet cake and strawberry soda. Celebrations also focus on teaching African-American heritage and promoting community pride and awareness.