Juneteenth, which recognizes the freeing of slaves in the United States, will be a paid holiday for Des Moines city employees beginning this year. The addition of the paid holiday was included in employee contracts approved by the City Council on Monday. City buildings and offices will be closed each year on June 19 or the adjoining weekday when the date falls on weekend. This year, June 18 will be the official city holiday. “We hope by commemorating this date, we can better illustrate the significance of Juneteenth and generate greater recognition throughout our community and the state,” City Manager Scott Sanders said in a prepared statement.