Federal employees will get a day off Friday.

President Biden is set to sign a bill today declaring Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that announcement was made that tens of thousands of African-Americans in Texas has been emancipated, closing the door on one of the last chapters of slavery in the U.S.

Because June 19th falls on a Saturday this year most federal employees will be given Friday, June 18 as a holiday.

“Today @POTUS will sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19th as a federal holiday,” the Office of Personnel Management tweeted. “As the 19th falls on a Saturday, most federal employees will observe the holiday tomorrow, June 18th.”

Juneteenth becomes the 11th federal holiday, joining: New Year’s day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington’s birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. Federal employees in Washington, D.C. also receive inauguration day off in years a president is sworn-in to office.

Juneteenth becomes the first federal holiday established by Congress since 1983 when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created. All states except South Dakota observe Juneteenth but not all give workers the day off.

Juneteenth legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent earlier this week. The House voted 415-14 for the bill with two Alabama Representatives joining 12 other Republicans in voting against the measure.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.