WASHINGTON: United States President Joe Biden signed legislation on Thursday (Jun 17) establishing a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, saying he believes it will go down as one of the greatest honours he has as president.

Biden signed into law a Bill to make Juneteenth, or Jun 19, the 12th federal holiday. The House voted 415-14 on Wednesday to send the Bill to Biden, while the Senate passed the Bill unanimously the day before.