National Freedom Day is a United States observance on February 1 honoring the signing by President Abraham Lincoln of a joint house and Senate resolution that later was ratified as the 13th Amendment to the U.S Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment abolishing slavery on February 1, 1865, although it was not ratified by the states until later.
Every year, India commemorates the Rising Day of the Indian Cost Guard (ICG) on February 1. ICG is marking its 46th Raising Day this year. ICG was originally formed in the year 1977 on February 1 under the Indian Parliament's coast Guard Act, 1978.
Is National Freedom Day a Public Holiday?
National Freedom Day is not a public holiday. Business has normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
Many people in the United States reflect on and remember the importance of freedom on National Freedom Day. The United States president may annually issue a proclamation on the day. Some educational institutes may incorporate themes relating to National Freedom Day as part of class discussion, reading to other learning activities that explore the importance of day and its history.
Information on local celebrations or events that center on National Freedom Day may be publicized prior to and on February 1. For some people, it is a time to promote good will, equality, and to appreciate freedom. Wreath-laying at the Liberty Bell has also to appreciate freedom. Wreath-laying at the Liberty Bell has also been a traditional to mark National Freedom Day for many years. Other events include annual breakfasts, luncheons, musical entertainment, film screening, and literature meetings that the explore the theme about freedom.
Background
National Freedom Day commemorates the date-February 1, 1865-when Abraham Lincoln, who was the nation's president at the time, signed a joint resolution that proposed the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment was to outlaw slavery and was ratified on December 18, 1865.
Major Richard Robert Wright Senior, former slave who founded the National Freedom Day Association, played a crucial role in creating the observance. Major wright was deemed as a community leader in Philadelphia and was active in education, the media, business and politics. He hoped to see a day that would be dedicated to celebrating freedom for all Americans.
The first commemoration of such a day took place on February 1, 1942, although it was not made into law yet. A June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a bill to proclaim February 1 as the first official National Freedom Day in United States.