The Erie VA Medical Center honored Juneteenth early with a presentation and celebration. 

The festivities included live music, artwork and vendors, like Erie's Black Wall Street and Touch of Class Events.

There was food and speakers, including Daryl Roberts, owner of Triple D's,  Gary Lee, and Veteran and community businessman Luther Manus.

The goal of the event was to celebrate the holiday which is meaningful to African Americans and veterans.

The theme of the event was honoring the past and celebrating the future.