National Freedom Day

Happy National Freedom Day! I'm sure that most of you probably didn't even know what today was and to be honest I didn't either until I saw it on the calendar. So what does this day mean? When did it come into existence? Why should it matter to us?

February 1st is the day set aside to honor the signing of Abraham Lincoln and a joint House and Senate resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865, although it was not ratified by the states until later.

Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr, a former slave, believed that there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. While spending his final years in Philadelphia he invited local and national leaders to organize a movement to commemorate Lincoln's signing of the 13th Amendment and make it a national holiday. 

As a result this new National Freedom Association proposed to highlight a day that recognized the continuing struggle for freedom for African-Americans. Seeing as February 1st was the signing of the 13th Amendment it only seemed appropriate to observe it as National Freedom Day. 

The first celebration took place on February 1, 1942 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The celebration has continued for 70 years. One of the traditions for this day is laying a wreath at the Liberty Bell.   

This day was not an official holiday until June of 1948, when President Truman signed the bill stating that February 1st was National Freedom Day. What a great way to honor those set free!

I understand now why February is Black History Month. The 13th Amendment is such an important law in our history. It recognizing the mistakes of the past and the desire to more forward. Even though it took decades to completely break free not only from slavery but to establish civil liberties it's a day worth remembering and honoring.

How will you enjoy your Freedom today?!