One may not know this, judging by this weekend’s Juneteenth displays, messages, logos, and celebrations, but over 600,000 white American men died in the Civil War to end the institution of slavery in the United States — an institution that was started in Africa, by African tribal chieftains and African empire kings. Just as heroically, 40,000 American black men died in the same war to end slavery. Black troops, most famously those in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, heroically gave their lives fighting to preserve the U.S. and to end slavery. And their sacrifices in the fight to end slavery are what Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, honors.

So, why does the U.S. flag seem to be missing from Juneteenth festivities and celebrations?