National Freedom Day facts for kids
National Freedom Day is a special day in the United States celebrated every year on February 1. It honors a very important moment in American history: when President Abraham Lincoln signed a document that led to the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment officially ended slavery in the United States. President Lincoln signed it on February 1, 1865, though it took a bit longer for all the states to agree to it.
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The Idea Behind National Freedom Day
The idea for National Freedom Day came from a man named Major Richard Robert Wright Sr.. He was born into slavery but became free after the American Civil War. Wright believed that there should be a day to celebrate freedom for everyone in America.
He invited leaders from across the country to meet in Philadelphia. Their goal was to make February 1 a yearly day to remember President Lincoln signing the document that proposed the 13th Amendment. This amendment was a huge step, as it freed all enslaved people in the U.S.
Making it a National Day
Major Wright passed away in 1947. Just one year later, in 1948, the U.S. Congress decided to make his dream a reality. Both parts of Congress, the House and the Senate, passed a bill to create National Freedom Day.
On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed this bill into law. This officially made February 1 National Freedom Day. This day was also an early step towards celebrating Black History Month, which became officially recognized in 1976. The idea of recognizing Black history had started even earlier, in 1926, thanks to historian Carter G. Woodson.
The President may issue each year a proclamation designating February 1 as National Freedom Day to commemorate the signing by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865, of the joint resolution adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives that proposed the 13th amendment to the Constitution.
How National Freedom Day is Celebrated
On National Freedom Day, many towns and cities hold special events and festivals. Some people also take time to quietly think about the freedoms they have in the United States. They appreciate the good spirit of the country.
In Philadelphia, a special tradition takes place each year: people lay a wreath at the Liberty Bell. This is a way to honor the day and its meaning. The day often includes themes about freedom for all Americans. It's important to know that National Freedom Day is not a federal holiday, meaning most people still work or go to school.
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