U.S. capital celebrates 153rd anniversary of Emancipation Day

The U.S. capital city Washington D.C. on Thursday marks the 153rd anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, council members, college marching bands, police and military servicemen, dancers, neighborhood and community associations paraded along Pennsylvania Avenue. Large balloon floats with the faces of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and other prominent civil rights leaders hovered over the Freedom Plaza.

All government offices and public schools in the District are closed on the day.

"We come here to remember the day, and to educate the young people," said George, who came from the State of Georgia with three friends. "We still got a lot of problems, and we should continue to fight for equal rights."

"'Pride' is the only word that can describe what we feel today, " said one of George's friends, adding "the Day is very important for the young generation to get educated, and it should never be forgotten."

A free concert was also scheduled at the Freedom Plaza from 4: 30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., to be followed by fireworks.

On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Compensation Act, which freed some 3,100 slaves living in the District of Columbia. Nine months later, Lincoln issued his broader Emancipation Proclamation. In January, 2005, then Mayor Anthony Williams declared the day an official public holiday in the District.

Each year, educational and commemorative activities are held celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S. capital.