22 hours ago
Edited on 22 hours ago by SGT H.Jäger
Each year on February 1, the United States observes National Freedom Day, a day dedicated to celebrating freedom and honoring the historic steps taken to end slavery in America. The date marks the anniversary of February 1, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the joint resolution of Congress proposing the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Although the amendment would not be fully ratified until December 1865, Lincoln’s signature represented a crucial turning point in the nation’s long struggle toward liberty and equality. The amendment formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, permanently changing the legal and moral foundation of the United States.
National Freedom Day was established through the efforts of Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former enslaved person, Civil War veteran, educator, and civil rights advocate. Wright envisioned a national day that would recognize freedom for all Americans and promote unity across racial and cultural lines. His advocacy led to congressional approval in 1948.
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the bill officially designating February 1 as National Freedom Day. The first national observance took place in 1950, reinforcing the day’s focus on reflection, education, and civic responsibility.
While National Freedom Day is not a federal holiday, it is marked by ceremonies, educational programs, and community events across the country. Many observances emphasize the ongoing importance of civil rights, equality under the law, and the responsibilities that accompany freedom.
National Freedom Day serves as both a remembrance of the past and a call to action. It reminds Americans that freedom was hard-won, remains fragile, and requires continued effort to ensure that the ideals of liberty and justice are fully realized for all.
Each year on February 1, the United States observes National Freedom Day, a day dedicated to celebrating freedom and honoring the historic steps taken to end slavery in America. The date marks the anniversary of February 1, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the joint resolution of Congress proposing the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Although the amendment would not be fully ratified until December 1865, Lincoln’s signature represented a crucial turning point in the nation’s long struggle toward liberty and equality. The amendment formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, permanently changing the legal and moral foundation of the United States.
National Freedom Day was established through the efforts of Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former enslaved person, Civil War veteran, educator, and civil rights advocate. Wright envisioned a national day that would recognize freedom for all Americans and promote unity across racial and cultural lines. His advocacy led to congressional approval in 1948.
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the bill officially designating February 1 as National Freedom Day. The first national observance took place in 1950, reinforcing the day’s focus on reflection, education, and civic responsibility.
While National Freedom Day is not a federal holiday, it is marked by ceremonies, educational programs, and community events across the country. Many observances emphasize the ongoing importance of civil rights, equality under the law, and the responsibilities that accompany freedom.
National Freedom Day serves as both a remembrance of the past and a call to action. It reminds Americans that freedom was hard-won, remains fragile, and requires continued effort to ensure that the ideals of liberty and justice are fully realized for all.