National Freedom Day in the USA Date in the current year: February 1, 2024

Abraham Lincoln signed the document that outlawed slavery on February 1, 1865. Although this resolution was ratified by the states later, it was the very first step to make all people regardless of their origin and color of skin free.

Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., American civil rights advocate, politician and former slave, believed, that one day all American should celebrate their freedom. He invited national and local leaders to meet and to organize a movement that would commemorate the signing of the 13th Amendment by A. Lincoln. This resulted in the establishment of National Freedom Association, that later proposed to set a memorial date calling the attention to the continuing struggle for freedom for African-Americans. The day of the signing of the 13th Amendment was chosen as the day of National Freedom Day.

The first celebration and commemoration of events took place in 1942 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Every year a wreath, as a symbol of remembrance, is laid at the Liberty Bell.