February 1, 2025 is the 76th observed National Freedom Day in the Commonwealth and across the nation!
National Freedom Day was first observed in 1949 after sitting president Harry Truman called for its recognition in June of 1948. February 1 is the anniversary of President Lincoln’s signing of the resolution that led to the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery in the United States.
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Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate February 1, 1949, and each succeeding February 1, as national Freedom Day; and I call upon the people of the United States to pause on that day in solemn contemplation of the glorious blessings of freedom which we humbly and thankfully enjoy.
Harry Truman, President of the United States from 1945-1953
In President Truman’s proclamation, he emphasized the importance of the 13th Amendment, and called it “a corner stone in the foundation of our American traditions.”
While the day is held on the anniversary of the signing of the 13th Amendment, many Americans take the time to recognize the freedoms they were born with in the U.S.
