.svg)
Celebrate National Freedom Day on February 1 and honor the day that President Abraham Lincoln signed a joint resolution of Congress which later became the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery! The day is also important for its recognition of all forms of freedom – both physical and spiritual. It's an opportunity to remember those who fought hard for their rights and appreciate our current freedoms.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1865</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Slavery</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 1, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln endorsed the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, aiming to abolish slavery.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Major Richard Wright Senior's Initiative</div><div class='timeline-text'>Retired Major Richard Wright Senior, a former slave, voiced the need for a national day to celebrate freedom for all Americans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1942</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Freedom Day Celebrated</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major Wright arranged the first National Freedom Day celebration in Philadelphia on February 1, 1942.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Philadelphia Hosts a National Freedom Day Parade</div><div class='timeline-text'>Philadelphia hosted the first National Freedom Day parade, an event that has since become an annual tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Freedom Day Becomes Law</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Harry Truman signed a bill making National Freedom Day a national observance. The day is not a public holiday, but it is observed around the country with various events and activities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly a flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Proudly display the American flag or your state's flag to celebrate National Freedom Day. Hang it up in your front yard, balcony or window to show your respect for freedom.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read up on the history of freedom</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about the history of freedom, from the Thirteen Colonies to the Founding Fathers to present day civil liberties and rights. Pick up a book on the subject and educate yourself and others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a civil rights organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Lend a hand to a civil rights organization that helps protect our nation’s freedoms. Donate money or time, or even take part in a protest or rally.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom by visiting a place important to U.S. history, such as Independence Hall or Mount Vernon.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Thank an active military member</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your appreciation for those who continue to fight for our freedom by thanking an active military member personally or writing them a letter.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the 13th amendment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Freedom Day marks the anniversary of when President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. This day serves as a reminder of how far we've come since then and honors all of those who fought for freedom and equality.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes reflection on our progress</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As we look back at this historic day, it's important to take a moment to reflect on how far we still have to go. National Freedom Day is a reminder that although much progress has been made towards equality, there are still many issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure justice for all.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages civic engagement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On National Freedom Day, it's important to recognize not only how far we have come since 1865, but also how essential it is that we stay proactive in protecting civil rights and liberties today. Celebrating this special day should motivate us to become engaged citizens and work for meaningful change in our communities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Freedom Day Commemorates the Signing of the 13th Amendment</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Freedom Day honors the date when President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery on February 1, 1865.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Was Proposed by a Former Slave</h3><p class='facts-content'>Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave who became an educator and civic leader, organized events that eventually led to the creation of National Freedom Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nation's First Official Event Celebrating Freedom</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first official National Freedom Day was celebrated in Philadelphia in 1942, making it the nation's first event dedicated to commemorating freedom for all Americans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Tradition of Laying a Wreath on the Liberty Bell</h3><p class='facts-content'>On National Freedom Day, it's become a tradition to lay a wreath on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia at exactly 1:00 p.m. every year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>President Truman Legalized National Freedom Day by Proclamation</h3><p class='facts-content'>On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a bill to make National Freedom Day a legal holiday - it is now observed on February 1 every year.</p></div></div>
National Freedom Day is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024 National Freedom Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 1
Wednesday
2024
Feb 1
Thursday
2025
Feb 1
Saturday
2026
Feb 1
Sunday
2027
Feb 1
Monday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
