On Juneteenth, a Brooklyn family honored their family history and ancestors with dancing, laughing, and a walk down memory lane.

James B. Gulston Senior was born at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn in 1938, and, on Sunday, he was honored for his outstanding service and enduring contributions to the community.

Gulston retired from the Army National Guard in 1979, and from the New York City Transit Authority in 1995. He also served on the Brooklyn Community Board 13 for 25 years. 

He is just one of five members of the extended Gulston family to be presented with a proclamation from the city and state.

"It's the love of family. It's the desire to bring family together...the desire to celebrate our culture," said family member Barbara Richards Oti.

After Gulston family member Barbara Richards Oti wanted to learn more about her roots and the origins of her third great-grandfather, she realized there was no record of it because he was born enslaved.

Regardless, Barbara learned that, just like James, her entire family went on to spend their lives serving the city and country.