Photo: The Juneteenth flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Haith created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf who brought their vision to life. (CNN)

Thursday, June 19, the country celebrates Juneteenth National Independence Day. It is a federal and Massachusetts holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. (Thank you, Wikipedia)

If your scheduled trash/recycling collection is on Thursday, it will be delayed to Friday.

Here is what’s closed and what’s open on Juneteenth:

• Belmont Town Hall and town offices: Closed
• Belmont Public Library (at the Beech Street Center and the Benton Library): Closed
• Belmont Public Schools: Summer recess began on Tuesday, June 17 as there were no snow days.
• State and Federal government offices: Closed.
• US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are closed; express delivery only.

Most retail operations are open for the holiday.

• Retail stores and coffee shops: Open
• Liquor stores: Open.
• Supermarkets: Open.
• Convenience stores: Open.
• Taverns, bars: Open.
• Banks: Closed.

The MBTA will operate on its regular weekday schedule for those who want to use public transportation.