Celebrations were held across Westchester and the Hudson Valley Friday to mark Juneteenth, which commemorates a milestone in ending slavery in the United States.

News 12’s Ty Milburn was in Mount Vernon where community members celebrated. Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard called it “a remembrance of our struggle in this country.”

It was the first year that the event was held on the steps of City Hall.

Many in attendance said they would like to the see the day made into a national holiday.