The Salvation Army Longview Temple

Thank you to all who came to celebrate and wish the Majors farewell!

Happy Retirement Major’s Phil and Lawry Smith!

Matthew 25:23

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. A day of freedom long delayed, and a reminder of the generations who endured unimaginable injustice.

It is a time to remember, to honor, and to reflect on the lives, stories, and courage of those who fought for liberation.

But Juneteenth also calls us to look honestly at the present, because while slavery was legally abolished, exploitation and modern slavery still exist today, affecting vulnerable individuals and communities across our nation.

The Salvation Army continues that fight today through our anti‑human trafficking programs, walking alongside survivors with love, safety, dignity, compassion, and hope.

We believe honoring the past means choosing how we live today, supporting one another, extending grace, treating every person with respect, and serving in ways that protect freedom and uphold humanity.