Today is Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865 -- the day Union soldiers announced to slaves who had not yet heard that the Civil War had ended and they were free, and for the first time, some New Jersey cities are recognizing it as a holiday or day of remembrance.

In Jersey City and Passaic, June 19 is now a holiday. City offices will be closed every year on this day.

East Orange Mayor Ted Green will designate June 19 as a holiday at a ceremony later today.

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In an executive order, Newark will recognize June 19 as a day of learning with training sessions to understand the importance of the day.

Mayor Ras Baraka says, "Juneteenth is one of the most important days in American history and it has never been made more significant than by the recent racism evidenced across the country. In Newark, we will use this day on, not off, to learn, observe, honor and respect the day that defined freedom for millions and ended chattel slavery in the United States."

Gov. Phil Murphy will commemorate Juneteenth later this afternoon, making remarks at the Friendship Baptist Church in Trenton around 4:30 p.m.

For the first time, some major U.S. companies are making today a holiday for employees. That includes Google, Nike, Target, J.C. Penney and the NFL.