What is national freedom day? How is it celebrated? Why National Freedom Day is celebrated? Why is February 1st called National Freedom Day? History and timeline.
National Freedom Day is an observance in the United States on February 1st to commemorate the signing of a joint resolution by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865 that proposed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
History of National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day was established as a national holiday in the United States on February 1, 1948 by President Harry S. Truman. The day commemorates the signing of a joint resolution by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865 that proposed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.
The resolution was signed after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. However, the proclamation did not apply to slaves in Union-held areas or in Confederate areas that had already been captured by Union forces. The 13th Amendment finally made slavery illegal throughout the entire country.
National Freedom Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the long and difficult struggle for civil rights and to celebrate the progress that has been made towards a more equal and just society. The holiday is celebrated with ceremonies, speeches, and events across the country.
National Freedom Day Timeline
Here is a timeline of significant events related to National Freedom Day:
- September 22, 1862: President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. However, the proclamation did not apply to slaves in Union-held areas or in Confederate areas that had already been captured by Union forces.
- February 1, 1865: President Lincoln signs a joint resolution proposing the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would abolish slavery in the United States.
- December 6, 1865: The 13th Amendment is ratified, officially making slavery illegal in the United States.
- February 1, 1948: President Harry S. Truman establishes National Freedom Day as a national holiday in the United States.
- Every year since 1948: National Freedom Day is observed on February 1st as a day to commemorate the end of slavery and to celebrate the progress made towards civil rights.
This timeline highlights key events in the history of National Freedom Day and the long struggle for civil rights in the United States. The holiday continues to be an important opportunity for reflection and celebration of the progress made towards equality and justice.
How to Celebrate National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day is an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards equality and justice, and to reflect on the history of the struggle for civil rights. Here are some ways to celebrate National Freedom Day:
- Learn about the history of slavery and the civil rights movement: Read books, watch documentaries, and attend events that educate you about the history of slavery and the long struggle for civil rights in the United States.
- Attend a National Freedom Day event: Many communities across the country host events and ceremonies to celebrate National Freedom Day, including speeches, parades, and cultural events.
- Volunteer in your community: Use National Freedom Day as an opportunity to give back to your community and support efforts to promote equality and justice.
- Support organizations working to advance civil rights: Consider making a donation to organizations working to promote equality and justice, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
- Celebrate with friends and family: Use National Freedom Day as an opportunity to gather with friends and family and celebrate the progress made towards equality and justice.
These are just a few ways to celebrate National Freedom Day and to reflect on the history of the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Regardless of how you choose to observe the day, it is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made towards a more equal and just society.
